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

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 different There are a ton of different ways companies can use AI to directly or indirectly cause us harm. Joe Hudicka, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 However, the dynamics of Housewives required a different kind of adjustment. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Feb. 2025 After studying with the esteemed acting coach Lee Strasburg, however, and experiencing a political awakening during the Vietnam War, Fonda began pursuing different kinds of projects. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2025 This is drastically different from other sports leagues, such as Major League Baseball, where sponsorship contributes a smaller portion of total revenue. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • In the past few years, Landman has curated a diverse roster, including Laufey, the Chainsmokers, John Ryan, Kenya Grace, and Amy Allen — who recently won songwriter of the year at the 2025 Grammys.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Living in New Bedford, Mass., a Coastal City Undergoing Transformation The Whaling City, home to a diverse food scene, will soon have a new rail connection to Boston.
    Josh Ocampo, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • That temporary restraining order came one day after a federal judge in Baltimore temporarily blocked the executive order in response to a separate lawsuit filed on behalf of families with transgender or nonbinary children.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In a separate note on Monday, analysts at Germany’s Mwb Research upgraded their price target for Hensoldt to 45 euros ($47.12) per share from 43 euros per share, but downgraded the stock from a buy to a hold.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The price history reflects the challenges of finding a buyer for such a distinctive property.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Now, scientists may have discovered the potential source of that distinctive coloring, overturning a popular theory in the process.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The judge advocates general have overall responsibility for a wide array of legal matters within their respective service; topics range from the military’s court-martial system to determinations about permissible use of force by troops, whether deployed domestically or overseas.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Other freshmen with the potential to vault to their respective varsities are Coby Mayo (Orioles), Colt Emerson (Mariners), Jackson Jobe (Tigers).
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is classic mosaic evolution, where different parts of the anatomy evolve at distinct rates.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Resisting the label of fusion, Twitty describes the dish as an homage to flavors that highlights the intersections between distinct culinary traditions.
    Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, there was a collective acknowledgment of the need for greater support from various sectors, including government and commercial enterprises, to nurture emerging talents and solidify Seoul’s standing as a dynamic leader in global fashion.
    WWD Staff, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
  • While it hasn’t been released as to who will replace Holt on the broadcast, various sources have pointed to Tom Llamas, who has frequently filled in for Lester during his time on the program.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Brendon Thorne | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday cut benchmark interest rates for the first time in over four years, finally joining ranks with other major global central banks, as softening inflation allows room for easing policy.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
  • She was identified as a person of interest in other murders as well, including the murder of Curtis Lind, a landlord in Vallejo, California, who was stabbed to death three days before the Vermont shooting.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ghostly encounters are peppered through the promo, to varied levels of fear.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
  • In stacked and varied casts during his time on the show, Sudeikis more than held his own, displaying a star wattage (even while playing a dancing sidekick) that's gone on to serve him especially well since leaving in 2013.
    Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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