Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of disparate are different, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can different be used instead of disparate?

The words different and disparate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use divergent instead of disparate?

In some situations, the words divergent and disparate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 disparate?

While the synonyms diverse and disparate are close in meaning, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When could various be used to replace disparate?

While in some cases nearly identical to disparate, 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 disparate Sleek dance-pop grooves but also classicist balladry, fey art-rock, and drag-amenable camp all play crucial but disparate parts. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025 Through Kelly, these chapters and the characters begin to connect with one another despite being in different places and facing disparate challenges. Kelli Skye Fadroski, Orange County Register, 21 Feb. 2025 How have these disparate factions evolved in the Bay Area? Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 These drugs have a [disparate] impact on the less wealthy and minorities. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • The risk is that this policy could stifle innovation and creativity, which thrive in diverse environments.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Bullman added that numerous other studies demonstrated that a diverse gut microbiome had positive impacts on chronic disease and even cancer treatment.
    Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • New York is estimated to have over 100 different types of trees, with the most common kinds being birch, maple and beech trees.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The mother, who was allegedly estranged from the husband and living in a different town, had arrived to help.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Humans like to put things in distinctive bins, but nature is not so prejudiced.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
  • Being a woman in the clothing industry in the late 1980s allotted Walker a distinct space in the global fashion conversation.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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