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 Their goals and most of your perspectives are disparate. Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026 The Iran war, in other words, seems to be superseding earlier grievances and instead uniting disparate extremist forces against the United States. Jacob Ware, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026 The Iran war, in other words, seems to be superseding earlier grievances and instead uniting disparate extremist forces against the United States. Jacob Ware, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 But not only did Trump promise that the war would last weeks, not months, the disparate impact of the strait’s closure may actually help wrap up the war by forcing our fickle and feckless allies to actually act like friends and join the fight. Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Allegheny County said South Park intentionally keeps its herd small, and sometimes individual bison are traded with zoos and wildlife preserves to keep the herd genetics healthy and diverse.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • News of Coogler’s take on the beloved sci-fi procedural first emerged in 2023, when Carter revealed that Coogler had contacted him about rebooting the series with a diverse cast.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • He's accused of placing cameras in the restrooms of three other parks, with at least 12 different victims.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The first phase of the project includes full replacement of Gampel’s distinctive, but often troublesome roof, made of metal-clad, insulated triangular panels.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The poster for Norwood Park features the distinctive, colorful exterior of the Superdawg drive-in hot dog stand.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mechanical kinks function as boundaries between two distinct internal states within the same material.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026
  • This distinct piece was created by engineer Kirk Jellum as an anniversary gift for his wife.
    Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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