Definition of diversenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word diverse different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of diverse are different, disparate, divergent, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When would different be a good substitute for diverse?

The words different and diverse 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 disparate instead of diverse?

The meanings of disparate and diverse largely overlap; however, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

Where would divergent be a reasonable alternative to diverse?

Although the words divergent and diverse have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

When might various be a better fit than diverse?

In some situations, the words various and diverse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 diverse Before, scientists thought bilaterians primarily arose during the Cambrian period and were rare—certainly not diverse and flourishing—in the Ediacaran. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026 International comparisons cited to justify the benefit cap are misleading because national pension systems are structurally diverse, with some countries providing universal healthcare, government childcare, and other social services that the United States does not offer. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Her mother, who had a staid upbringing in California, came to New York in the early sixties looking for someplace more diverse and less stifling. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026 Ahead of the festival, Variety took a quick glimpse at this rich and diverse lineup. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverse
Adjective
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • He's accused of placing cameras in the restrooms of three other parks, with at least 12 different victims.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On this postcard-perfect corner of Canada’s northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Hyundai also boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from other SUVs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink Like everything else at The Rooster, the food has a distinct sense of place but also a cosmopolitan sensibility.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Because of its distinct grooves and marks, the stone piece was believed to be some kind of board game – but obviously no rulebook was dug up to confirm this.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The neighborhood/area The hotel sits in the North Loop area of Minneapolis, blocks away from the iconic Hennepin Street Bridge with easy access to the riverfront parks along the Mississippi, with their great cycling and walking trails and varied perspectives on the city.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverse. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on diverse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster