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

Examples of various in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But researchers say more needs to be done as the Mekong fights off threats from various fronts, including climate change, with the region facing more severe flooding and drought each year as a result. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 The Trump campaign is also kicking off a weeklong bus tour in Pennsylvania with various campaign surrogates making the case for the former president. Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Oct. 2024 Data centers that power various machine learning models require unbelievable amounts of energy. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 21 Oct. 2024 The show’s draw is the rapport between various members of the Wayans clan — a tangible collaborative spirit that keeps Poppa’s House from ever feeling generic, however generic its trappings are on the page. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for various 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'various.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near various

Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on various

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