Synonyms of disparate

disparate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdi-sp(ə-)rət 

as in diverse

being not of the same kind

disparate notions among adults and adolescents about when middle age begins

Synonyms & Similar Words

• diverse
• different
• distinctive
• distinct
• distinguishable
• dissimilar
• other
• varied
• various
• distant
• several
• divergent
• unlike
• mixed
• unalike
• differentiable
• nonidentical
• miscellaneous
• sundry
• variant
• alternative
• individual
• alternate
• unequal
• disproportionate
• single
• discriminable
• particular
• divers
• peculiar

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• same
• parallel
• identical
• like
• kindred
• indistinguishable
• equal
• kin
• related
• alike
• equivalent
• comparable
• analogous
• homogeneous
• selfsame
• tantamount
• homologous
• uniform
• homogenous
• akin
• homological

disparity

2 of 2

noun

di-ˈsper-ə-tē 

as in difference

the quality or state of being different

an enormous disparity in the lives of the rich and the poor in that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difference
• distinctiveness
• distinctness
• diversity
• contrast
• distinction
• discrepancy
• dissimilarity
• disagreement
• distance
• divergence
• diverseness
• unlikeness
• dissimilitude
• variation
• disparateness
• variability
• imbalance
• otherness
• change
• inequality
• deviance
• variance
• friction
• modification
• discord
• incongruity
• disproportion
• conflict
• strife
• discordance
• disunity
• dichotomy
• differentiability
• incongruence
• distinguishability
• dissension
• dissent
• incompatibility
• discriminability
• dissidence
• nonconformity
• incongruousness
• anomalousness
• nonequivalence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similarity
• community
• resemblance
• analogy
• sameness
• identity
• likeness
• agreement
• accordance
• equality
• parallelism
• correspondence
• conformity
• alikeness
• congruity
• analogousness
• equivalence
• similitude
• uniformity
• identicalness
• equivalency
• homogeneity
• homogeneousness

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

Recent Examples of disparate

Adjective

In his heyday, Carpenter was masterful at juggling disparate tones. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026

Democrats are hopeful that the disparate party turnout could signal a grim outlook for Republicans’ ironclad control of state politics. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Noun

There is no denying the grave disparity between the resources and care dedicated to marketing, covering and celebrating women’s football in Africa and what’s afforded to its counterparts, especially in North America and Europe. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

The county’s Health Equity Council, which aims to reduce health disparities, including in mental health, was shuttered suddenly in early 2025. — Kate Wells, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!