Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of disparate are different, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can different be used instead of disparate?

The words different and disparate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use divergent instead of disparate?

In some situations, the words divergent and disparate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 disparate?

While the synonyms diverse and disparate are close in meaning, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When could various be used to replace disparate?

While in some cases nearly identical to disparate, 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 disparate Leopold said there is a stark, disparate difference in attention. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025 Employers that adopt individualized assessments can reduce potential liability for disparate impact claims while fostering inclusive hiring practices. Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Any disparate enforcement would trigger a mitigation action plan. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 Ground News is a new source that aggregates and curates a variety of publications to present reporting about the news of the day from disparate angles. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disparate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Matharu opened his store at 40 Savile Row in 2022 and brought a younger, more diverse clientele to the area.
    Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The page for Project Equity, a 2021 initiative launched by the FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence to ensure that cancer drugs were evaluated for approval based on data from a diverse group of study participants, has gone dark.
    Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The handful of researchers and companies leading the push to make IVM more mainstream are taking different approaches.
    Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The phrase may be interpreted in different ways, however.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Librarian-Chic This quintessential California coastal town is famous not only for its rocky coves and miles-long beaches, but also for its distinctive downtown art scene.
    Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025
  • With its distinctive bulbous body and tall, narrow chimney, the freestanding, front-loading outdoor fireplace retains and radiates heat more effectively than an open fire pit.
    Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The relationship between hardware and software is equally similar and distinct—both serve the disabled community, but both serve in different ways, with some individuals requiring one over the other.
    Grant Stoner, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The film stars Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall as Hujar and Rosenkrantz, two Brits each playing ’70s New Yorkers with distinct accents.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near disparate

Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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