as in unequal
having or showing a difference that is not fair, reasonable, or expected; too large or too small in relation to something
He believes that middle-class people bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden. A disproportionate number of the students are poor.
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Recent Examples of disproportionate
Those products are heavily marketed to Black women, which also raises concerns about disproportionate health impacts.
—
Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
America’s top universities are training grounds for the country’s elite – producing a disproportionate number of stars in politics, business, academia, medicine and more.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 2 Jan. 2026
So after that he was met with disproportionate force.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Situated along the primary transit routes for narcotics originating in Afghanistan, Iran has borne a disproportionate share of the human and financial costs of counternarcotics efforts, including thousands of casualties among its law enforcement personnel.
—Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disproportionate
Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
America’s top universities are training grounds for the country’s elite – producing a disproportionate number of stars in politics, business, academia, medicine and more.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 2 Jan. 2026
So after that he was met with disproportionate force.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Situated along the primary transit routes for narcotics originating in Afghanistan, Iran has borne a disproportionate share of the human and financial costs of counternarcotics efforts, including thousands of casualties among its law enforcement personnel.
—Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disproportionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disproportionate
Adjective
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Among the central innovations of prediction markets is the idea that an unequal playing field might actually facilitate the truth.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Obviously reading at random won’t solve all the issues with unequal advances, difficulties in sustaining a career, and lack of diversity in publishing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Recognizing the diverse needs of the community, Orange Coast Medical Center also offers prenatal, postpartum, and breastfeeding classes in Vietnamese, ensuring language is never a barrier to receiving compassionate care.—
MemorialCare Medical Group,
Oc Register,
10 Jan. 2026
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The work triangle has origins dating back to the 19th century, but in a space that now serves diverse purposes and is filled with technology and appliances that didn’t exist when it was created, is the kitchen work triangle still relevant?—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But none of these enticements can conceal the absence of scripts and direction that set a distinctive mood, then deftly navigate every deliberate shift.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Faithfull’s signature, distinctive, melodic, high-register vocals had defined her career, but her voice was permanently altered by severe laryngitis and her persistent drug abuse.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Formed by rolling up sheets of atoms, these hollow tubes exhibit unique behaviors distinct from bulk materials due to their nanoscale dimensions.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Her bubbly, non-threatening stage persona, paired with her cutting jokes and roasts, feels distinct in her body of work.—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Participants can sculpt with air-dry clay, paint on canvas, or craft a collage or mixed-media piece such as a design vision board.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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The experience left them with mixed emotions.—
Sean Clancy,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Weak shaking has been recorded and several residents reported experiencing the tremor in Ridgecrest and the surrounding area according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Miami's Mario Cristobal served several roles at Alabama from assistant head coach to recruiting coordinator while being part of the 2015 championship that also included Lanning as a grad assistant.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disproportionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disproportionate. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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