disparity

noun

di-ˈsper-ə-tē How to pronounce disparity (audio)
Definition of disparitynext
as in difference
the quality or state of being different an enormous disparity in the lives of the rich and the poor in that country

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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 disparity Along the way, Randolph encountered barriers to care, inadequate support and racial disparities in maternal and infant care. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 If disparities in women’s health were fully addressed, a 2024 World Economic Forum report estimated, by 2040 that could boost global economic productivity annually by $1 trillion. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 In 2023, after returning to lead the Biden-era OCR, Lhamon again advised schools that they could be held accountable if their discipline data revealed concerning disparities. — Cory Turner, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 It's designed to expand culturally responsive care and address maternal and infant health disparities affecting Black communities. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparity
  1. difference
  2. distinctiveness
  3. distinctness
  4. diversity
  5. contrast
  6. distinction
Noun
  • That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The fundamental difference is that there is no longer a coronation, and the new monarch automatically becomes king upon the death of his predecessor.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • America is the ultimate answer to the pogrom, and to the emancipation Europe offered on the condition of relinquishing Jewish ethnic and cultural distinctiveness.
    — Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In a portfolio of consumer brands, each brand's value lies substantially in its distinctiveness.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
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
Definition of distinctness
Noun
  • The public speech extolled the diversity of the Scandinavian nation and was viewed on social media by millions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There have been relatively few large-scale national decomposition studies involving different land use types, although smaller studies have shown that how humans use a site can significantly affect the soil’s biological diversity.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • American college sports, by contrast, have historically served as the major development system for professional football.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In contrast to the standard seven-course tasting menu, starting from £225 per head (~$300), the flexible à la carte menu allows diners to experience a multi-course, three-star masterclass for under £100 (~$135).
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of contrast
Noun
  • Corruption talk blurs the distinctions between these three distinct things.
    — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinction

Browse Nearby Words

disparateness
disparity
dispassion
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Cite this Entry

“Disparity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparity. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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