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 Focusing on themes of migration, the new works will continue the Kenyan British artist’s long concern with depicting various tableaux of Kenyans and current events in the country that have a surrealist, dream-like quality to them. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Her leadership will be tested on various fronts, including environmental sustainability, the ethical implications of new technologies, and the balancing act needed to host global events amid political tensions. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 But most importantly, understanding how the car behaves on various tire compounds under varying conditions is something that only comes with time. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 These curbs will be expanded in October 2023 and December 2024 — when China responds with a ban of U.S. exports for various high-tech materials like gallium and germanium. TIME, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for various

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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