Definition of variousnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of various are different, disparate, divergent, and diverse. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

When could different be used to replace various?

While the synonyms different and various are close in meaning, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use disparate instead of various?

The synonyms disparate and various are sometimes interchangeable, but disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When would divergent be a good substitute for various?

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

went on to pursue divergent careers

When is diverse a more appropriate choice than various?

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

such diverse interests as dancing and football

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 various The actress wore various contact lenses, some of which restricted her vision, to enhance the look. Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 Panish said that although various witnesses gave different estimates on exactly how fast Grossman and Erickson were traveling, all 11 agreed the two defendants were speeding. City News Service, Daily News, 3 June 2026 From his reality shows before becoming a politician, to hours spent entertaining at events in ways planned and impromptu, to proudly showing off his various properties and efforts to overhaul the White House, the president relishes hosting. ABC News, 3 June 2026 Here’s What Non-Drinkers Can Expect This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI. Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • In the Menil work, the central character is an artist brandishing a bouquet of colored pencils, surrounded by a seraphic tumble of monochrome extras that are her handiwork.
    Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The ones still managing to a colored dashboard will be answering for it.
    Yonesy Nunez, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the colorful comparisons, Williams and Tsien based the museum’s shape on a visual of four hands coming together, promoting the idea that many hands shape a place, according to the center.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • This simple recipe uses red and yellow heirloom tomatoes for a colorful contrast.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The differences expand our understanding of how varied human life has been.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
  • Explore the varied landscapes of France, from the secluded beaches of the Île de Porquerolles to Alpine destinations like Chamonix and Villard-de-Lans.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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