Definition of disparatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disparate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disparate are different, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can different be used instead of disparate?

The words different and disparate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use divergent instead of disparate?

In some situations, the words divergent and disparate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 disparate?

While the synonyms diverse and disparate are close in meaning, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When could various be used to replace disparate?

While in some cases nearly identical to disparate, 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 disparate This is where disparate clips, resolutions, and sound sources are unified into a coherent narrative. Paul Ratner, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026 There’s a surprise element toward the end of the show that neatly wraps all the disparate spoken segments together. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026 The disparate components are bound by hefty percussion hits and an angelic vocal sample that sounds like trying to remember a distant memory. Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026 Fiction was just one of the many forms her stories took, alongside radio broadcasts, war diaries, newspaper columns, memoirs, and translations, all penned in disparate parts of the world. Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • This launch represents a significant step toward turning robots into universal, upgradable machines capable of performing diverse tasks in homes and workplaces.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Hood said investors shouldn’t worry about the exposure to one of Microsoft’s major partners, pointing out that roughly $344 billion of the RPO came from a diverse set of other customers.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Riding the Gus Bus Thursday could have been a lot different had Gustavsson not been on his game.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • After the initial burst of celebrity impressions, TikTokers began to approach the trend from different angles.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The result was the emergence of a distinctive national cinema that speaks both to universal human experiences and to specifically Korean concerns.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • And in order to do that, based on what clear, distinctive competence?
    Big Think, Big Think, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Each room offered a distinct sonic environment, encouraging guests to explore and engage with the artworks.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Speaking of, the town itself retains a gritty, authentic coal-mining charm, distinct from the polished resort villages elsewhere.
    Brent Rose, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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