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
What unites these seemingly disparate topics is Wilson’s knack for putting himself into scenarios with unusual people that lead him into unexpected territory—a lesson in the virtues of simple observation. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 Know More Not all AI safety experts and advocates identify as effective altruists, and different groups working on the topic have disparate goals, funding, and membership. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
Lundgren praised Stallone for leaning into the disparity rather than trying to minimize it. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Sep. 2026 Researchers believe some of this disparity could be a result of the increasing emphasis on academics and testing in the earliest years of education, which may make the learning experience harder for boys, who mature later than girls. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • From excellent shopping in Alpharetta to Sandy Springs’s surprisingly diverse dining scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The diverse region, which accounts for a fifth of the world's growing energy demand, depended heavily on fossil fuel imports from the Middle East.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The researchers also demonstrated communication across different parts of the body, including devices positioned deep inside the stomach.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • More information may reveal that the situation is smaller, different, or less yours than expected.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The experiments also produced the distinctive double hysteresis loop associated with antiferroelectric materials.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Details like labels, pocket flashers, packaging and visual assets were reimagined through Imogene + Willie’s distinctive design process.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • For dinner, there are five solid options, each with its own distinct menu and mood.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The home button has its own distinct metal surface, and other buttons on the remote are indented or distinctly shaped.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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