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 Good Sources of Oleic Acid Oleic acid is found in various foods. Roxana Ehsani, Health, 12 June 2025 Strategy has issued various forms of securities including convertible debt to fund its bitcoin purchases. Yun Li, CNBC, 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 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 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
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
Adjective
  • Truth be told, these portraits can be colorful, impactful statements in any room.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
  • Aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, are colorful ribbons of light that weave across Earth's northern or southern polar regions, according to NASA.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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