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
  • 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
  • That’s why The Power Pause features diverse stories of stay-at-home mothers who defy these stereotypes.
    Amy Shoenthal, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The paper also noted that in a separate statement, Henley– the group’s only remaining original member — thanked Smith for his long tenure.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Prior to leaving office, Biden also advanced a separate tobacco regulation, one that would set maximum nicotine levels for combustible cigarettes and effectively ban all cigarettes currently available in the United States.
    Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His distinctive dance moves quickly went viral— the dance looks like someone standing in place and pumping their arms back and forth, as if trying to dry their back with an invisible towel.
    Phil Harrell, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In some ways, because of their ability to secure bigger hits and Goosebumps’ multigenerational focus, the anthology series acts as a period piece and time capsule, sonically capturing two distinctive moments and their music trends.
    Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The visual backgrounds encountered by females and males differ significantly, likely shaping their respective anti-predatory strategies.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase reported earnings that were 46% and 18% above their respective consensus estimates, FactSet data shows.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Very bold colors—a long, bright orange hallway—and wacky costumes like Harvey’s floral suits, to give the film a strident, distinct look and feel.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The movements Obama and Trump inspired were quite distinct.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Saturday's demonstration promoted themes related to feminism, racial justice, anti-militarization and other issues and ended with discussions hosted by various social justice organizations.
    LINDSAY WHITEHURST, arkansasonline.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The Anti-Deportation rally was part of a wave of protests across the country in the days prior to the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, whose administration has promised mass deportation efforts that could start as early as Tuesday in Chicago, according to various news reports.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Metaverse The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other in a digital environment.
    Andreas Bubenzer-Paim, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Fogelman’s firm decision to cap the series at three seasons means Brown will remain available if other intriguing projects come around, including a blockbuster franchise.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Shape: Tools with varied edges work best for different body areas.
    Lisa DeSantis, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Strengthening school safety is a top priority for families, communities and educational institutions, and innovative solutions are necessary to protect against varied and expanding physical and digital threats.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near different

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

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