disparate 1 of 2

Definition of disparatenext

disparity

2 of 2

noun

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
There’s just enough contrast between the pieces to create visual chemistry, but an overall air of ease ties all the disparate elements together. Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026 Shouts of indignation rang out from disparate quarters of the lounge. Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
But when platitudes aren’t backed by action, the disparity between branding and behavior becomes impossible to ignore. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026 These disparities could reflect the different evolutionary histories and environmental birthplaces of Ryugu, Bennu, and the parent bodies of the Murchison and Orgeuil samples. Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Iranians of diverse religious faiths mark Nowruz even though the hard-line Iranian regime has at times discouraged festivities.
    AMY TAXIN, Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Close to two-thirds of our customers watch content in more than four languages, reflecting the growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The legislation was the Senate’s attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills before sending them back to the House.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • One key difference is that airports using private contractors have reported fewer disruptions tied to the shutdown.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But there's a lower risk of having a reaction because your body recognizes your own blood, and there's no risk of contracting infectious disease from a different donor.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That was a different era, when social media was not a thing.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Optimal distinctiveness essentially says that people want to belong to a group and to still be unique in some way at the same time.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
  • This distinctiveness enables theatergoers to engage more fully with a narrative that is centered on living and indulging in the human experience rather than simply acting as passive observers.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But his distinctive tattoos and fashion sense helped investigators find him — notably, his sweatshirt, his bronze foamposite sneakers, a large gold ring on his left hand and a distinctive tattoo of a globe on his left arm.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The plant has distinctive foliage and orange blooms that spike up from the leaves.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Mechanical kinks function as boundaries between two distinct internal states within the same material.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026
  • This distinct piece was created by engineer Kirk Jellum as an anniversary gift for his wife.
    Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With that notable diversity, Spanish fiction is no longer framed internationally through one prevailing model, whether glossy thrillers, YA drama or the long tail of earlier crossover hits.
    Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Her stint in 2025 was promoted as a milestone to correct the franchise’s historic diversity shortfalls, but her romantic journey has been labeled by many members of the Bachelor Nation fan base as a low point.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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