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 That meant providing assurance through a number of different avenues, including showing a clean SOC 2 attestation, answering long security questionnaires, and completing various compliance certifications through painstakingly manual processes. Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025 Despite years of legal battles over the relocations, more than 150,000 bodies were exhumed from the 1920s to the early 1940s for the trip to Colma, each in various stages of decay. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 Lost in Space and Lassie included various iterations that spanned almost the entire length of Lockhart's career. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025 His commitment to Jewish life and community was evidenced through his various leadership roles. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • In a similar vein, Louis Vuitton revived its first wristwatch with a fresh design and new movement, Vacheron Constantin reimagined the Grand Lady Kalla with colored stones, and TAG Heuer gave the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sports an upgrade with rose gold and a GMT complication.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
  • There was one case that became a major talking point — a student sued her school and the local education board for forcing her to dye her naturally light-colored hair black to comply with school rules that all students have black hair.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Your Immune System Improves Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as beets, is a great way to support your natural immunity.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2025
  • SpongeBob is back, as are the colorful critters living in Zootopia.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • These varied global efforts are helping to define technical standards, cost models, and business cases for dynamic electric road systems, with induction being one of several competing technologies (others include ground-rails and overhead power supply).
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • By considering the varied needs of different users, Ausom designs its scooters to adapt to a range of real-world scenarios—whether for daily commuting, longer-distance travel, or occasional recreational use.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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