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

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 different Disproven stereotypes about older individuals still persist, and many younger people don’t realize how different aging is today compared to their grandparents’ experiences. Katharine Esty, Contributor, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025 Each one has a slightly different chemical structure.28 L-phenylalanine: L-phenylalanine naturally occurs in protein-containing food. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 16 Mar. 2025 Condon recorded at least 10 rebounds on 10 different occasions this year (including in big games against Tenn., Kentucky, Auburn and Alabama). Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 Every player has different experiences with coaches. Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Raising capital is more difficult for diverse entrepreneurs.
    Paul Klein, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • In South Africa’s Cape Town, at No. 4, locals love the coastal city’s diverse food offerings, particularly the seafood.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Lena Green, the executive director of the center, opens the door to the clinic, in a separate building around the corner from the church.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The midfielder travelled to the United States for separate trial periods but decided against a move.
    Colin Millar, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The distinctive flavor of oregano grows more pronounced the hotter and drier its growing conditions and is typically best just prior to flowering.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Sifting through the sandy dirt of eastern Egypt, archaeologists found an ancient grave filled with distinctive artifacts.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Should Calipari get past Self, the rivalry between him and Pitino from their respective time at Kentucky and Louisville would be reignited in a must-see second round matchup.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Ellison was in the White House appearing alongside OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son, when the President unveiled an agreement between their respective firms that aims to expand AI infrastructure in the U.S.
    Robert Olsen, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite sounding the same, the sewing and cooking meanings may have distinct origins but evolved similarly in English.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • This fantasy set-up is the catalyst for a journey of reconnection for mother and father, May and Cody, across a variety of brilliantly distinct levels.
    Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But most importantly, understanding how the car behaves on various tire compounds under varying conditions is something that only comes with time.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Ferdinand has more than 30 million followers across various social platforms.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These and many other student protests provide powerful strategies and lessons on resistance and how employees can advocate for workplace justice. 1.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Two other fires were active in nearby Burke and Madison counties, with a third wildfire burning in Stokes County on the northern border with Virginia.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Strickland's journey to AEW's main event scene has been a long and varied one.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Census participation levels have long varied among different demographic groups.
    Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

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