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
This will create even more disparity from the big- to small-market teams. Jim Bowden, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 It’s linked to maternal and infant health disparities, including preterm births, low birth weight, maternal depression, infant death and chronic illness. Mona Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Rogers' campaign sees opportunity in racially and culturally diverse Wayne County, home to Detroit, where roughly three-quarters of the population is Black.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Great Mountain Forest is among the Northeast sites selected for the study, which examines how healthier, more diverse forests can better support native bee populations.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 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
  • Fossum notes that veterinarians sometimes use odor as a diagnostic clue because certain skin conditions produce distinctive smells.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The cult fashion house has a devoted following among Gen Z and fans of alternative fashion and pop culture, including anime enthusiasts familiar with Westwood’s distinctive Orb logo.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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