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
Perhaps a healthier relationship with imagery, which Wilson relentlessly explores throughout the film, is one where completely disparate events, paired together, can fuse and give the viewer a new understanding of both. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 According to The Baltimore Banner, Nadeau has previously been sued by officers who alleged disparate treatment in the disciplinary process. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 15 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Canaccord upgraded the stock and Guggenheim and Stifel both raised their targets to $300 after Dreamforce, with Stifel citing management's reaffirmed $63 billion fiscal 2030 revenue target built on six distinct AI monetization paths.
    — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Initial laboratory experiments found that the ART repeat array is expressed as multiple distinct short RNAs.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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