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 At the same time, various narratives about the scale and growth of H-1B visa holders in Texas have spread across social media and online, fueling controversy and confusion about a complicated and often misunderstood process. William Tong, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026 The trailer offers glimpses of various moments featuring Schwartz, who appears to pursue Michelle Saniei, who is newly single and whose ex-husband, Jesse Lally, also stars in the show. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026 Dust container Vacuum cleaners come with various dust containers, and this varies based on their model and size. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 Plus, the San Diego Guild of Puppetry and the City Heights Library will host various activities. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Meanwhile her partner, Broderick went the traditional route with a black suit, white button-up shirt, and a light-colored tie.
    Elle Meier, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The luxury hotel chain creative director, 47, wore a dark-colored peacoat, grey sweater and slacks.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • From the colorful, floppy hairstyles of Korean boy band Stray Kids, or the non-binary wardrobes of trailblazing singers like G-Dragon of Big Bang and Seonghwa of ATEEZ, K-pop’s male idols have long fostered diverse expressions of masculinity.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The colorful artworks largely depict the sensual hedonistic lifestyles of city dwellers including merchants, courtesans and kabuki actors.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For instance my friend Peter Lucas has used the science of fracture mechanics to explain why mammals have such varied designs of teeth.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The varied body of work earned three Emmy Awards and an honorary Academy Award.
    Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on various

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