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 But now, with a few changes, the vibe is entirely different. Violet Ikonomova, Sam Robinson, M.l. Elrick, Natalie Davies and Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 Inside what may be the world’s most technologically advanced stadium, one of the clearest indications that things are different is heard in its restrooms. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 According to the team, figure research could investigate how brain network function differs between individuals of different ages or developmental or psychiatric disorders. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 There many different trucks on the market, in countless configurations, so no official scientific study exists. Michael Harley, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for different 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • The cultural differences between the U.S. and South Korea, such as how diverse versus monoracial the societies are, respectively, could also impact what a 4B movement would look like among Americans.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Harris campaign:Path to presidency comes down to winning Michigan, 'blue wall' states Michigan's 13th Congressional District is a socioeconomically diverse area where Black residents account for the largest voting bloc.
    Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Related Articles Only 67 votes separate candidates in $1.8 million race for Contra Costa supervisor Elon Musk bet big on Donald Trump.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • On Monday, a Randall County judge ruled in a separate case that DeLao can keep his parental rights over his 1-year-old child with Torres.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Love them or hate them, Apple’s peripherals have a distinctive visual appeal, and that’s especially true of the Magic Trackpad.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Along with their distinctive, large black eye patches, giant pandas have short limbs and round bodies.
    Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s still money to be made in producing morning shows, and their respective local stations all need some way of covering national and global events.
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • David and Victoria both previously met Queen Elizabeth in light of their respective professions — David for his accomplishments in soccer, and Victoria with her Spice Girls band.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The filing also details a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to fees and allowances paid to distributors for distinct services.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Each brand in the portfolio targets a distinct Gen Z and millennial audience, and aside from Princess Polly, companies under its umbrella include Culture Kings, mnml and Petal & Pup.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This confirmed that the original milk-raiding birds were passing on their methods to various flocks.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
  • But the stability, low-profile, and various brightness levels makes the BioLite 425 ideal for night running.
    Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Officials had not made progress on containing the fire, and there was no official count for the number of homes the Mountain Fire has destroyed in Camarillo Heights and other parts of Ventura County.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Teams were in the field to assess houses and other structures that have been destroyed or damaged.
    Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Polling stations are opening up across the U.S. for varied hours during Election Day, and Newsweek has compiled a map of the different times.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The varied kebab plate for two is a satisfying feast.
    Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near different

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

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