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
This earnings disparity may not be surprising to many investors. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 The article also links Pan’s candidacy to concerns beyond vaccines, including the effects of Medicaid cuts on healthcare access and the administration’s retreat from attention to racial disparities in maternal health. — Los Angeles Times, 11 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
  • Disney — also profitable — has made three rounds of layoffs in 2026 across different parts of the business.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In reality, both objects orbit the star in the same direction, just at different, changing speeds.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That includes colorblock styling, chunky knobs and physical controls, and simple shapes that make each device memorable and distinctive.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The person buried there is believed to have belonged to the Linear Pottery culture — named for the distinctive spiral and wavy patterns decorating its pottery.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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