Definition of variousnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of various are different, disparate, divergent, and diverse. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

When could different be used to replace various?

While the synonyms different and various are close in meaning, 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 various?

The synonyms disparate and various are sometimes interchangeable, but disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When would divergent be a good substitute for various?

Although the words divergent and various 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 is diverse a more appropriate choice than various?

In some situations, the words diverse and various are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

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 various In states that haven’t banned the substance, it’s sold at gas stations, smoke shops and convenience, grocery and health food stores in various forms, including powders, loose-leaf teas, capsules, tablets and concentrates. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026 The main three projects — The Mummy, The Loudest Voice and Unabomber — each involve monsters in various forms. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026 The toys were sold through various stores nationwide, including in California, from June through July for about $3. — Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The team experimented with various mixtures of sand and glue, the latter made from gelatin and yeast. — ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • The viewpoint looks across Windermere and was once fitted with colored glass designed to make the scenery appear as though it were being viewed in different seasons.
    — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Mailaender used different types of mirrors, geometric wall patterns, colored cork and linoleum, wavy steel and deliberately 1980s-style locker-room doors.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Propped up against them were colorful large-scale oil paintings of orbs floating against blurry color fields.
    — Ryan Sullivan, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In colorful illustrations that are just as energetic and immersive as the text, Aaron Marin pulls the whole adventure together.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But in typical Davies fashion, the five-hour miniseries distinguishes itself for tackling its subject so head on and with such varied and visceral feeling, as manifested especially by Cumming and David Morrissey as a pair of feuding neighbors.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Some pundits are heralding the end of Nike’s chokehold on the athlete marketing space, while others predict a turn toward a more varied sector.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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