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
The sheriff's office sits in the middle of these two disparate sides in Defuniak Springs. Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 At its most ambitious, the series allegorizes John and Hal’s disparate relationships to fear as a younger Black man and an older white one. Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
Amani emphasized that the work is critical to addressing health disparities, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicates 80% to 90% of maternal deaths are preventable. Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Pooled records can expose drug side effects, track outbreaks and reveal disparities in care that smaller studies miss. Jennifer D. Oliva, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • In recent years, the force has become more diverse, with women and racial minorities making up a growing share of recruits.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • It was drafted with tenant input and by a diverse coalition of community supporters.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For those familiar with the book or movie, the musical brings a different experience to the familiar story.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • A lot of the issues revolved around who exactly represented Diomandé at different times of his career, with legal cases slowing down proceedings.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Angle Wedge Pillow's distinctive triangular shape cradles your legs and knees at a precise 45-degree angle to relieve tension in your back, while the Knee-T keeps legs, hips and spine in a neutral position to reduce pressure on your lower back.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Xerjoff’s distinctive flacon is bathed in three dynamic colors that boldly represent Lamborghini’s super sports cars.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But thanks to Chris Mundy’s Lanterns, that initial promise of empowering creatives to bring their own distinct voices to the DCU has now been realized beyond dispute.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Both West Coast indie presses are forging distinct, commercially viable paths outside the traditional New York publishing bubble.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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