DIFFERENT Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'different' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of different are disparate , divergent , diverse , and various . While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness. // different foods

Q: When could 'disparate' be used to replace 'different'?

The words disparate and different are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility. // disparate notions of freedom

Q: When can 'divergent' be used instead of 'different'?

Although the words divergent and different have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation. // went on to pursue divergent careers

Q: In what contexts can 'diverse' take the place of 'different'?

In some situations, the words diverse and different are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast. // such diverse interests as dancing and football

Q: Where would 'various' be a reasonable alternative to 'different'?

While in some cases nearly identical to different , various stresses the number of sorts or kinds. // tried various methods

different

adjective

ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt

Definition of different next

as in diverse

being not of the same kind how are plantains different from bananas?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in separate

not the same or shared my brother and I sleep in different rooms when we travel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word different different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of different are disparate, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When could disparate be used to replace different?

The words disparate and different are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can divergent be used instead of different?

Although the words divergent and different have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

In what contexts can diverse take the place of different?

In some situations, the words diverse and different are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Where would various be a reasonable alternative to different?

While in some cases nearly identical to different, various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples 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 different In 2024, Tyrus shared on The Sage Steele Show that his three oldest children, all born in 2011, have three different mothers. —

Emily Krauser, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 The index evaluates the economic performance of more than 400 metro areas in several different tiers through 13 metrics, such as job growth, wages, technology and housing affordability. —

Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025 In a different video, TikToker Gabriella Rose lugs a suitcase down a snowy sidewalk, back to the camera. —

Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025 This pattern persists across different situations and relationships, creating a consistent narrative of persecution or righteousness that resists evidence or logic. —

Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for different

Recent Examples of Synonyms for different

Adjective

That’s why The Power Pause features diverse stories of stay-at-home mothers who defy these stereotypes.

Amy Shoenthal, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
In addition to being enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, Vatnajökull National Park was recently named one of the most important geologic sites on the planet by the International Geological Union, thanks to its diverse, otherworldly landscapes that have been shaped by fire and ice.

Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2025