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 The use of different radio frequencies – different lanes on the radio highway – is closely regulated, and a few narrow lanes are reserved for radio astronomy. —Lucia McCallum, Space.com, 26 July 2025 Around the same time, in a different group, my friend who already lives in Islamabad shared news of a new job. —Rohan Banerjee, Time, 26 July 2025 Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. —Caché McClay, USA Today, 26 July 2025 Does this album feel different from other projects after achieving that sense of liberation? —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 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
  • But with over 200 wineries, the Old North State is steadily transforming into one of the country’s most exciting and diverse wine states.
    — Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
  • After losing her teaching job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lê leaned fully into her content, collaborating with publishers, monetizing lesson plans through platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, and building a business focused on diverse and inclusive book collections.
    — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Another caller, a case worker, was assisting two separate individuals who was defrauded by con artists impersonating immigration attorneys via Facebook and WhatsApp.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Mitochondria—the organelles in our cells responsible for generating energy—are likely the product of an ancient symbiosis with a distant ancestor and a microbe, and have their own separate DNA.
    — Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
Definition of separate
Adjective
  • Meeting space, which is also popular for weddings, is another distinctive amenity.
    — Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • The country has a low cost of living, a low crime rate and distinctive cuisine.
    — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • Both Trump and Biden oversaw the confirmation of hundreds of judges during their respective terms, reshaping the federal judiciary and altering the confirmation process.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
  • As previously announced, Jessica Madsen and Levi Miller will also star, playing the respective roles of Bloodaxe’s wife Gunnhild, aka the Mother of Kings, and his younger half-brother Haakon the Good.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of respective
Adjective
  • Tyr was a god of war, similar—though distinct—to Mars in Roman mythology.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • What has remained distinct is where D.O.s work: disproportionately in rural areas, and in primary care practices.
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Some private jet companies began offering scheduled service to various destinations.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • The fund, managed by the Jefferson County Education Foundation, has been used for various expenses, including a billboard honoring former Superintendent Marty Pollio.
    — Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
Definition of various
Adjective
  • Despite the overall increase, significant reductions in veteran homelessness in Indianapolis and the U.S. at large hold lessons for how to help other groups, advocates say.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • His Fort McDowell Veterans Association uniform hung nearby along with other memorabilia of his Marine service, including a gourd hand-painted with the Marine logo.
    — Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of other
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
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 3 Aug. 2025.

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