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 Like the opera, the film blends these disparate moods and tones at a whirlwind tempo: slapstick comedy and poignant melodrama, graceful lyricism and bumptious braggadocio, witty satire and bitter tragedy. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 July 2025 Wiles and Taylor had essentially unlocked a portal between disparate mathematical realms, revealing that each looks like a distorted mirror image of the other. Joseph Howlett, Wired News, 27 July 2025 Opportunities for dancers with disparate disciplines to interact are often limited, so Ma hopes to lean into transparency. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 27 July 2025 Unfortunately, Hitmakers is trapped in its format, stuck between disparate goals of championing the music and following storylines that make for good reality TV. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • That includes examining how digital agents interact with diverse teams, supporting inclusion efforts and avoiding bias amplification through unchecked machine learning.
    Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • These diverse settings motivated her to experiment with a range of stylistic elements, including rap and reggaeton.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Bestowing a different kind of moving stillness from his recent works, with sequences that convey a radiant atmosphere and buzzing natural life, Back Home draws attention to the brilliance all around, a homecoming of sorts after a string of films about a Walker in exile.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Unlike many artists, who tease singles for months and space out releases by years, YoungBoy takes a different approach.
    Xander Zellner, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The robber was seen in the surveillance footage wearing distinctive blue and white high-top shoes, the affidavit states.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2025
  • In general, the only ways to date sediments are if there’s a layer of volcanic ash in them, or by distinctive fossils in the sediments.
    Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cutting this rate encourages economic activity in two distinct ways.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The Old Farmer's Almanac, distinct from the Farmers' Almanac, claims an 80% accuracy rate for its weather predictions.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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