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 The service has dedicated IP addresses and servers from various locations in other countries all around the world to mask your home location against hackers and scammers. Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026 Give yourself permission to pursue these various interests without letting anyone swallow the others entirely. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026 The San Joaquin River Parkway in Fresno and Madera counties would join various properties in an 874-acre state park directly upriver from the city of Fresno, with parkland on both sides of the river. Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 The whistleblower claims that the museum improperly moved funds between various accounts in order to meet severe cash crunches. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • When the Woods Hole Science Aquarium reopens in 2027, the split-colored lobster is expected to be among the animals on display for visitors — a 1-in-50-million catch that went from a Cape Cod fishing boat to a permanent home at a Massachusetts aquarium.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Deputies put out a be-on-the-lookout for a dark-colored car.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Born Ereunna McCoy, BunnaB captures the spirit of Atlanta through colorful, witty rhymes and catchy adlibs, boosted by her vibrant delivery.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But the Shedd outlasted the mobsters and Lord knows what else in its home city’s colorful history and now is trying to raise $500 million over eight years in honor of its pending 100th anniversary in 2030.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mundo Maya is a vast and varied region that mixes ancient architectural wonders with modern-day luxuries and activities.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Complex work required teams of people with varied backgrounds, such as analysts, researchers, and operators, because no one person had all the capabilities and expertise.
    Bruce Broussard, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on various

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster