different

adjective

ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt How to pronounce different (audio)
Definition of differentnext
1
as in diverse
being not of the same kind how are plantains different from bananas?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in separate
not the same or shared my brother and I sleep in different rooms when we travel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Weiss: How different is the production process now when compared to the original run? —Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 But also, everybody plays so different in the genre. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025 In fact, in 2023, only about 7.9% of manufacturing workers were unionized, which is not crazy different from the overall union membership rate in the private sector, which stood at about 5.9%. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 27 May 2025 So from that conversation all those years ago, what ended up being different in the finale? —EW.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
  1. diverse
  2. separate
  3. distinctive
  4. respective
  5. distinct
  6. various
  7. other
  8. varied
Adjective
  • Her book, Perfect Day Chicago, which highlights the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods, was just published.
    — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Streaming music services make listening convenient thanks to their vast catalogs, diverse playlists, and expansive device compatibility.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Preventing germs from taking over your cookout To prevent bacteria in raw meat from contaminating other foods, use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry and seafood and a separate one for produce, bread, and other foods that won't be cooked, the CDC suggests.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The victim was seated in his vehicle and became involved in a heated exchange with an unidentified male in a separate car, according to police.
    — Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
Definition of separate
Adjective
  • The animal has a long tail and distinctive tufts of soft hair.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Their selection always includes highly sophisticated and distinctive films that have broadened my cinematic horizons.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • The two men got into their respective vehicles and drove away.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • The pause also affects M visas, which are for vocational or non-academic students and J visas, which are for exchange visitors, along with their respective dependent categories (M-2 and J-2).
    — Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of respective
Adjective
  • There is a distinct difference between the two eras.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.
    — Ivan Shvaichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • In addition to real estate, Trump has profited from various business ventures during and after his time in office, including his stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, and a cryptocurrency meme coin bearing his name.
    — Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • And, yeah, there’s a laundry list of places that don’t like him — Vancouver, Toronto, Tampa Bay — for various things he’s done like punching players who don’t fight — or, yeah, licking them.
    — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Definition of various
Adjective
  • The pair have known each other for a while, with Ferguson guesting on Hot in Cleveland and Malick appearing on Modern Family.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Both programs allowed students from other countries to get an education at Harvard.
    — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 24 May 2025
Definition of other
Adjective
  • Gable Kahn masterfully tackles the constant and varied misogyny women face in society head-on, while also portraying a real, beautifully flawed MC.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Nike’s rollout of Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble colorways has been varied.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Definition of varied

Browse Nearby Words

differencing
different
differentia
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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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