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 Over the summer, a wall in Brooklyn was painted brat green and communicated different messages and updates about the album, all of which were written and broadcast live for fans gathering in person and watching on social media. Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024 The Chiefs started a different left tackle for the fourth time this season. Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Since then, $2 currency notes have undergone six different designs. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 16 Dec. 2024 Owing to dietary restrictions, each friend chooses a different dish to eat. Foggy Brume, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for different 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Six diverse political and ethnic groups now claim territory.
    Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
  • From the tranquil beaches of the Maldives to the vibrant cultural landscape of Bhutan, these destinations offer a diverse range of experiences that go beyond a typical vacation.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The area features 12 separate spots to get your fill, and every local’s got their own ideas about which is best.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The tune, which credited both Sting and The Police as separate acts, landed on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, and Hot Rap Songs lists.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Police released several images of the shooter in which he can be seen wearing a dark-colored jacket with a hood over his head, a black facemask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Use handwritten envelopes or add festive elements, like wax seals or sparkling liners, for a refined and distinctive look.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This means that as weaker retail assets lose relevance with customers and retailers, top assets become even more significant in their respective markets.
    Mike Hazinski, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • In 2024, Prince Harry and Markle attended several events and traveled the globe for their respective endeavors.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • For this story to land, Silo 17 needed to feel distinct from Juliette’s home while belonging to the same basic world.
    Mark Blankenship, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Like Macao, Hong Kong is considered a special administrative region of China, partly distinct from the mainland.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This includes an array of broadcasters for NASCAR's various series, aiming to engage a more diverse audience base.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The weekend household consists of various aristocrats, plutocrats and tycoons of the age.
    Louis J. Esterhazy, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The movie is constructed like a visual scrap quilt made in a meticulous and orderly fashion, sometimes focusing on Elwood's life in the '60s and other times flashing forward to the near-present day.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The lawsuit, which was filed on October 2, 2024, targets NASCAR and its Chairman, Jim France, accusing the organization of monopolization tactics that benefit the France family financially and disadvantage teams, fans, and other stakeholders.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The public reaction has been complex and varied, reflecting the deep political, social, and generational divides in South Korea.
    Joohee Cho, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024
  • In addition to our mainstage concerts, The Phoenix Symphony Learning Institute operates a varied group of programs that reach over 125,000 students, adults, and families every year.
    Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near different

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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