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
In such disparate areas as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum science, bioengineering, next-generation energy, and space, breakthroughs that are crucial to the country’s power and influence are emanating from private companies. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026 Two friends, one diagnosis, disparate outcomes Yannick and Brecken became friends because of their diagnosis. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
Lawmakers are looking at disparities in borough-specific response times. — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 That disparity leaves a significant gap in the market for brands. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Conceivably, there is Naftali Bennett, who served as PM in 2021-22 but could not keep his diverse coalition together.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • His great-grandson is focused on how to build a corporate culture that suits both Japan, “our mother countryâ€� and the source of more than half of the group’s sales, and the diverse expectations of 40,000 employees around the world.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Kwan’s push to expand the family office’s geographical footprint correlates with global wealth flows, as HNWIs worldwide look to diversify their assets across different geographies.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The result offers researchers a different way to approach quantum material design.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Altadena had a distinctive and cherished identity before the fire.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The tiny Norwegian archipelago, 68 degrees north of the Arctic Circle and two flights from Oslo, is a distinctive and dramatic landscape with spiky mountains rising from the Norwegian Sea and sandy beaches fringed by fjords.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers identified distinct activity patterns in the brain’s dorsal regions that directly correlate with social dominance through the observation of freely interacting mice.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Nevertheless, analysts caution that evaluating the deal requires assessing whether the combined entity can generate distinct operational synergies and unlock long term expansion potential.
    — , CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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