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
Adjective
These disparate elements don’t wholly cohere, but the film still prods at ideas about maternal inheritance, feminine power, and community. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 Linking seemingly disparate elements helps surface the connective tissue that already exists, both inside and outside the organization. Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
And this opportunity, particularly for women in both tennis and other sports where there is a broad gender pay disparity, is worthwhile. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026 The move is striking for a number of reasons, ranging from the existing budget disparities between the two parties involved to the fact that the money would be used for projects that the current NIH leadership has explicitly rejected. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • All who died, including my sister, Patricia Fagan, were a diverse cross-section of New Yorkers, and their memory can’t be erased.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights is increasingly featuring horror from diverse cultures.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • All onshore experiences are locally guided, offered in small groups, and scaled to different activity levels.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The correspondence helped convince Anders, who fled the Nazis for American exile in 1936, that different kinds of evil cause different kinds of harm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That copper complex is also responsible for the formula’s distinctive blue hue, while glycerin and two forms of hyaluronic acid draw in moisture for an immediate plumping effect.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • During the traditional preparation process, calcium is added, which gives the jelly its distinctive firm and rubbery texture.
    Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Pigeon Sisters — Desi Amato as Gwendolyn and Penny Amara as Cecily — are played as distinct individuals rather than as near-twins as often happens.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Sometimes those differences, while distinct, still touch the same product in some way.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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