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 There are various measurements that determine the rankings, with one of the key measures being graduation rates. Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 Abarca is part of a cohort of legislators that has been at odds with White over various county issues. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025 These capabilities make standard hair diffusers better equipped for various hair textures, lengths, and thicknesses. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 During the service, various people gave speeches. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Their stories later varied as to who killed her.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In the past, the prize has varied season to season but frequently included a cash sum as well as a coveted CFDA spot.
    Alyssa Davis, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Brightly colored berries are another strategy that plants have devised to disperse their seeds.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Well … are the requests for construction paper and colored pencils?
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Until Saturday, Scott — accustomed to wearing prison blue — had two shirts and two pairs of pants, but Sanders took him to Ross Dress for Less for some colorful, new clothes.
    Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The lunar event will appear brighter and more colorful than most full moons, offering several nights of striking views just after sunset.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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