disparate 1 of 2

Definition of disparatenext

disparity

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
In software engineering, for example, the task is coding, but the purpose is innovation, problem-solving, connecting disparate ideas, and identifying new needs. Jason Ma, Fortune, 2 May 2026 Critics haven’t been able to reconcile the film’s disparate goals. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
These disparities are not accidental. Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026 Florida’s large Hispanic population suffers from disparities, too. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • The German owner of Stoll reported its booth received positive feedback for sport shoe solutions, composite innovations and performance warp knits, with a portfolio showcasing the diverse applications of warp knitting technology in Technical Textiles.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
  • The art industry comprises an incredibly diverse tapestry of experts in all sorts of professions.
    The Editors of ARTnews, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Perry, with the Green Burial Council, said he’s often asked whether the way a person chooses to be disposed of after death makes much of a difference in their environmental footprint.
    Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 2 May 2026
  • But the primary difference is Wembanyama.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Notably, Bauhinia blakeana is a sterile hybrid, resulting from the cross-pollination of two different plant varieties.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Those two would be no different.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The Pulitzer board encourages its juries to engage in both robust debate and its own inquiries into the distinctiveness of all entries.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
  • If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
    Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Since 1992, Ronnie has been the captain of this distinctive part of New Orleans’ culinary history.
    George Motz, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
  • The beachside Beauvallon Sur Mer, together with its lounge and rooftop, was created by interior architect Dorothée Delaye—the creative known for infusing hotels with a distinctive French flair.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But rollout varies sharply across industries, and leaders face similar yet distinct questions about what to assess before deployment, what to govern during it, and which companies are already navigating it well.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026
  • The researchers took ordinary metal rings and precisely shaped them into specific patterns designed to produce distinct ultrasonic frequencies when struck.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • San Francisco and New York City are leading office demand, as AI tech employment rises quickly in the former and diversity of employment fuels the latter.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission is seeking early renewal for all eight station licenses owned by ABC related to the broadcaster’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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