DIFFERENT Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'different' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of different are disparate , divergent , diverse , and various . While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness. // different foods

Q: When could 'disparate' be used to replace 'different'?

The words disparate and different are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility. // disparate notions of freedom

Q: When can 'divergent' be used instead of 'different'?

Although the words divergent and different have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation. // went on to pursue divergent careers

Q: In what contexts can 'diverse' take the place of 'different'?

In some situations, the words diverse and different are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast. // such diverse interests as dancing and football

Q: Where would 'various' be a reasonable alternative to 'different'?

While in some cases nearly identical to different , various stresses the number of sorts or kinds. // tried various methods

different

adjective

ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt

Definition of different next

as in diverse

being not of the same kind how are plantains different from bananas?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in separate

not the same or shared my brother and I sleep in different rooms when we travel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of different are disparate, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When could disparate be used to replace different?

The words disparate and different are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can divergent be used instead of different?

Although the words divergent and different have much in common, 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 different?

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

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Where would various be a reasonable alternative to different?

While in some cases nearly identical to different, various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples 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 different If chefs are known to elevate their favorite comfort foods, interior designer Grant Rickard accomplished a parallel feat in his home pulling from a different medium. —

Jessica Ritz, Architectural Digest, 2 Jan. 2025 The rechargeable mirror has three different LED light settings, and the foldable design won’t take up too much space. —

Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2025 While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. —

Jamie Ballard, Allure, 2 Jan. 2025 When looking at the fascinating, though wildly different, women that appeared on some of the most-read Glamour covers of 2024, one thing is clear: honest storytelling was the unifying theme. —

Glamour, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for different

Recent Examples of Synonyms for different

Adjective

After significant setbacks to diversity initiatives in 2024, companies will increase efforts to hire and develop talent with diverse voices and backgrounds, understanding that innovation thrives on a variety of viewpoints.

William Arruda, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Catlett’s civil rights activism stood at the forefront of her diverse practice, which incorporated printmaking, sculpture, collage, and painting, among other media.

Leilah Babirye, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025