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 The disunity mirrors a national Democratic identity crisis, as likely contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination are also employing disparate methods of dealing with Trump. Jessica Boehm, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 The fascinating pairing of these two very disparate practices is exactly the kind of thing that makes Commonwealth and Council one of the city’s most important galleries. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 19 Feb. 2025 Rankin’s mastery of tone throughout prevents any of these disparate elements from sticking out. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 Its two seemingly disparate female leads are centered to anchor the plot, which revolves around their tenacity and a high-dose of intuition. Holly Jones, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • To increase access, liquid biopsies must perform consistently across diverse healthcare settings, from high-tech oncology centers to local clinics.
    Mariya Filipova, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • After years of criticism, the organization diversified its 50 Best voting pool to be more racially and gender diverse and began to include restaurants in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appétit, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Schenn’s situation, however, is a little different.
    Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Fitzgerald bounced around the diamond last season and saw time at five different positions (not including pitcher), but second base will be his primary responsibility this season.
    Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists have observed few interactions of narwhals in their natural habitat, creating speculation about the purpose of the species’ distinctive spiraling tusk.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Male sharks are also known to bite females during mating, leaving distinctive scars.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The choice of invisibility serves as a method of expression that is distilled from my unique experiences and distinct perspective on the world.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • By sharing rights, the Bond franchise has arrived at a very different type of storytelling, one that fragments the story and multiplies the James Bonds to be experienced across distinct media.
    Colin Burnett, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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!