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 That was under a different provision of federal law that allows the president to use military force in the United States. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025 This is hard and sometimes bravery looks different. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 Cool- and warm-season grasses have different periods of active growth, with warm season grasses producing more growth in the heat of summer, and cool-season grasses growing more actively during the shoulder seasons. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 June 2025 The British Royal Family is no different; their problems just play out on a bigger stage. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 8 June 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
  • PrideFest 2025 is packed with incredible entertainment, diverse vendors, and family-friendly activities.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
  • After the show ended, many cast members pursued diverse paths in acting, directing, and even politics, each carrying a piece of the show's legacy with them.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • The Center for Biological Diversity had filed a separate, similar lawsuit.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • Peninsular Malaysia is separate from Sarawak and Sabah, the Malaysian provinces on Borneo.
    — Allan Marks, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of separate
Adjective
  • However, that distinctive green bottle of Curve with its gold lettering remains vivid in my mind’s eye, and its contents continue to tell his story.
    — Stixx Mathews, Essence, 13 June 2025
  • There’s also an oasis-like 2,500-square-foot Sisley spa, with distinctive touches including a regenerative salt wall.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • Seth Rollins and Naomi won their respective matches and can cash-in an opportunity for a WWE championship any time and any place.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • Amal Clooney, Katie Holmes and more turned to Italian luxury fashion houses and runway inspiration for their respective looks.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
Definition of respective
Adjective
  • Pullman Market follows in the footsteps of Eataly before it, but this complex’s concepts are so much more distinct and delicious than anything that forebear has offered.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Research suggests disengagement isn't simply the absence of engagement but a distinct psychological state with its own antecedents and consequences.
    — Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Bagworms most commonly attack evergreens like junipers, arborvitae, cypress, cedars, and broadleaved plants such as Indian hawthorn, azaleas, and various oaks.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
  • The Genesis Center is one of the various downtown Gary properties included in the city’s master plan with the University of Notre Dame’s Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Definition of various
Adjective
  • Similarly, SpaceX is hugely dependent on direct grants and regulatory permitting, clearances, and partnership from NASA and other federal agencies.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 6 June 2025
  • Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of other
Adjective
  • While a small study found that bananas may reduce flavanol absorption, experts say the impact is minor in the context of a varied, balanced diet.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
  • The swatting varied but mostly included threats to destroy buildings and kill or injure people, and the threats targeted individuals with large social media presences whom Szabo thought may react publicly, according to court documents.
    — Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 June 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 17 Jun. 2025.

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