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

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 various This claim has been contested at various times, but promoting democracy and advancing human rights has been identified as in the national interest for quite some time. Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024 Then, move the cursor around the image to see the software shade various objects. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 The suspect was found to be under the influence of a stimulant and was in possession of burglary tools, a glass smoking pipe and various debit/credit cards belonging to other people. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 In 2023, the Danube Institute also agreed to host visiting researchers from The Heritage Foundation to study Hungarian policies in various fields. Flora Garamvolgyi, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for various 

Thesaurus Entries Near various

Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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