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 The judge did rule, though, that the board could deny Adams matching funds because of his campaign’s long-running failure to respond to its requests for various documentation, including records related to donors mentioned in his indictment. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025 Grok is trained on various sources, including posts from X, which might explain why Grok has been reported to check Elon Musk's opinion on controversial topics. CBS News, 15 July 2025 The channel currently is populated by reruns of McGraw’s various shows. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 Additionally, install antivirus software and AI enabled spoof detection software, and consider utilizing packet filtering features offered by various suppliers. Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Equip them with discussion points, questions and varied perspectives.
    Antoine Andrews, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • In all of these cities, the difference between buying and renting varied from $1,166 to $2,623.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Shop slingback flats, leather Mary Janes, colorful suede sneakers, and more of this season’s biggest trends while saving up to 70 percent off.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
  • The vibrant, colorful buildings captured the lively and diverse spirit of the Caribbean.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on various

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!