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 But some states were excluded for various reasons, including if their state assessments had changed recently (Illinois, Kansas), if test opt-out rates were too high (New York, Colorado) or if a state didn't publish district-level data with enough detail. Cory Turner, NPR, 13 May 2026 In each case, police say the suspect gained entry into the church by breaking doors and windows, tampered with onsite security systems, rummaged through paperwork, and stole various items. Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 13 May 2026 Teede said the consortium plans to spend three years incorporating the new name into various aspects of healthcare, from disease classification to clinical guidelines and provider education. Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026 This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI. Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Investigators recovered video footage from a neighboring rhome that captured a dark-colored sedan matching the vehicle that was involved in previous incidents.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • Investigators recovered video footage from a neighboring residence that captured a dark-colored sedan matching the vehicle that was involved in previous incidents.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Next came Chase Infiniti, wearing a colorful trompe-l’oeil Thom Browne dress (another Venus de Milo tribute).
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Try a colorful coverlet to make an eye-catching statement, add a light and airy layer over your comforter for a seasonal refresh, or trade a modern design for traditional patterns to make your space feel effortlessly more inviting.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Because the games are varied on each visit, the location has already seen repeat guests since opening in March, including one family that has visited at least half a dozen times.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • The topics on talk radio are varied, though the lives of celebrities and political issues are commonly discussed.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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