Definition of disparatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disparate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disparate are different, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can different be used instead of disparate?

The words different and disparate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use divergent instead of disparate?

In some situations, the words divergent and disparate are roughly equivalent. However, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

In what contexts can diverse take the place of disparate?

While the synonyms diverse and disparate are close in meaning, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When could various be used to replace disparate?

While in some cases nearly identical to disparate, various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disparate On the one hand, the current mishmash of private and public efforts—each with its own disparate goals and visions of nature—does reasonably well to represent the interests of a great many people. Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026 Major generative AI models, designed for universal application, struggle to meet these disparate legal requirements. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 This is the power of interdisciplinary fields, such as biomechanics, which allow scientists to find the connections and patterns between seemingly disparate things. Philip Anderson, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 Téa Obreht connects her three characters across disparate realities, a speculative marvel and a parable of a nation in the throes of change. Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • The market sees diverse approaches from infrastructure, authorization, and security vendors, alongside consolidation through acquisitions and open-source initiatives.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • The Adayar Eco Park, a green lung that hugs an estuary, is nearby and worth a visit for its diverse flora and fauna.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • But Scheft and his team are mastering the subtle differences and plan to offer many of the same loaves available in Boston, though the bakeries will have a few different offerings.
    Connie Ogle July 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • One venomous species may produce hundreds of distinct molecules, each assigned to different biological dirty work.
    Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • In simple terms, each quantum gate leaves behind its own distinctive statistical fingerprint.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Once a working water tower, the Malibu Water Tower House has become one of the beach city’s most distinctive homes.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of painting a broad picture that included all leading forms of content distribution — movie theaters, broadcast and cable television as well as streaming platforms — the states zeroed in on three distinct slices.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Data, on the other hand, shows a distinct generational divide.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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