VARIOUS Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

various

adjective

ˈver-ē-əs

Definition of various next

as in colored

marked by a variety of usually vivid colors for their various and bizarrely shaped plumage, males of the bird of paradise species have few rivals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Becton was in and out of the lineup with various injuries and ailments. —

Daniel Popper, New York Times, 21 May 2026 Each organization addresses various critical needs across the LGBTQ+ community, such as supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ elder care, increasing access to preventative health services and treatment, and providing mental health support for young people. —

Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 The film also stars Louis Garrel, Ella Rumpf, Garance Marillier, Anyier Anei, and Vincent Lindon, all of whom swirl around each other as various characters within Maxine’s milieu, including a model, a makeup artist, and her doctor. —

Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2026 Souza, protected by a screen, underhanded the pitches to various spots. —

Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for various

Recent Examples of Synonyms for various

Adjective

Investigators recovered video footage from a neighboring rhome that captured a dark-colored sedan matching the vehicle that was involved in previous incidents.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Investigators recovered video footage from a neighboring residence that captured a dark-colored sedan matching the vehicle that was involved in previous incidents.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 18 May 2026