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 And to further complicate matters, there have been various missile and drone attacks on Iran and across the Gulf states. Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026 Created by writer Roger Stern and artist George Pérez, the character is depicted at various times in DC’s comics as an antagonist, ally and would-be love interest to Superman. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 The various sights at the castle – a decent history museum, frescoed chapel, old-fashioned printing press, and wine cellar – are cute, but the real reason to come up here is to bask in the sweeping panoramas. Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026 At various points in her career, the journalist reinvented herself to start fresh in new states, including Colorado. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Tea service at Le Salon is worth a booking to experience the delights of delicate finger sandwiches, pastel-colored confections, and A-plus people-watching.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Seconds later, several others run by and a light-colored sedan speeds off.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This neighborhood is distinctly local and aesthetic — think colorful murals, indie shops and a creative energy that feels nothing like the Broadway tourist scene.
    Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • For an even more colorful choice, red-hot pairs from Le Monde Beryl or even Khaite’s rich mahogany slingbacks break up any monochromatic look beautifully.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Several California cities have levied taxes on empty homes and lots, with varied success.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The City Council passed four ordinances in 2025 that together encourage the construction of more varied housing types, and by extension, greater density — with the ultimate aim of lowering home prices in a notoriously expensive metro housing market.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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