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 Between March and September 2024, investigators reportedly made 11 narcotics purchases, primarily fentanyl, from various sellers, including Echevarria, according to court records. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 The above-normal temperatures and abundant humidity helped fuel the storms, while strong winds at various levels of the atmosphere, known as wind shear, helped organize thunderstorms. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 The Sunday Ticket thus reflects NFL teams, which are competing businesses, joining hands to pool their broadcast rights into one package, which currently costs $378 or less depending on various discounts. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026 In fact, various PFAS chemicals have been detected in the blood of 98% of Americans and can be stored for years in different organs in the body, according to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • People gathered at Navy Pier on Saturday to celebrate the Hindu spring tradition of Holi, also known as the festival of colors, with music, dance, and by throwing and decorating each other with colored powder.
    Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Sorting blocks into different colored buckets.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The latter is popular with professionals for its colorful adjuster shades—liquid pigments in unnatural colors that can alter the tone of your base.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • As a twist on a traditional ambrosia salad, this colorful punch brings in all the same flavors with orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut water, and maraschino cherries, plus more citrus and mint to garnish.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Los Angeles Metro Lost & Found office off Pasadena Avenue in Montecito Heights has items as varied as cellphones and blowtorches that have been found by Metro staff or security guards on buses and rail lines.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Sabalenka played an airtight first set, displaying complete mastery over the varied aspects of her game, and zipped to a 3-1 lead.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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