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 Airborne flights were allowed to continue, but new domestic flights were delayed or canceled, throwing travel plans into question for various industry events over the weekend. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 14 Nov. 2026 Through the foundation, the Leonards use various approaches to try to prevent more accidental drowning deaths. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 14 Nov. 2026 Like many third-party controllers, the Atom Plus works with multiple platforms, including the Switch and Switch 2, PCs, Android, iOS, and various smart TVs. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2026 Today, the company can use AI to generate high-quality, photorealistic images mimicking those same products in action in various customer environments with a simple prompt, in minutes. — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • The brightly colored walls in the home are filled with the Krauses’ collection, including works by Tacita Dean, Raymond Saunders, Rachel Harrison, Richard Tuttle, Rudolf Stingel, and Franz Ackermann, the latter a commission.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Bold green pelmets and stone inserts are meant to recall emeralds and colored gemstones.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The beaches here are lined with colorful guesthouses and design-forward boutique stays like Jakes Hotel, a beloved family-run establishment founded by local artist Sally Henzell.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • But after the governor declared war on rainbows, making the nonsensical argument that colorful crosswalks were somehow dangerous, the state had tried to hide the evidence of its earlier position.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, beloved by Pinot Noir devotees, is melding a varied and sophisticated food scene with its farm-first, sustainability-minded ethos.
    — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2026
  • Related Stories Ever since Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania introduced their filming incentives more than a decade ago, demand for filming in the Baltics has continued to climb, thanks to top-tier crew, competitive financial tools and varied locations.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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