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 Business Taken together, the changes reflect a new emphasis at Meta in favor of more unrestrained speech and more rapidly updating its apps — a dismantling of various guardrails the company has enacted over the years to curb the misuse of its platforms. Shannon Bond, NPR, 31 May 2025 In addition to real estate, Trump has profited from various business ventures during and after his time in office, including his stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, and a cryptocurrency meme coin bearing his name. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 And, yeah, there’s a laundry list of places that don’t like him — Vancouver, Toronto, Tampa Bay — for various things he’s done like punching players who don’t fight — or, yeah, licking them. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025 Gathering insights from over 1,100 tax and finance executives across various industries and geographies, the report identifies how these leaders are navigating the paths that lie ahead for global tax. Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Gable Kahn masterfully tackles the constant and varied misogyny women face in society head-on, while also portraying a real, beautifully flawed MC.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Nike’s rollout of Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble colorways has been varied.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the center of the colorful drink is a butterfly pea blossom ice sphere topped with gold luster dust.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • Bosa, Sardinia, Italy Renowned for its colorful houses and the medieval Malaspina Castle, Bosa is situated about two-thirds of the way up the west coast of Sardinia, on a small hill about 3km inland on the north bank of the Temo River.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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