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

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

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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 Concurrently, Whitney Hill's work with Snap ADU showcases how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) provide flexible housing options for various demographics, proving that impactful solutions can emerge from unconventional approaches. — Katie Goar, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 In Vietnamese director Lê Bảo’s new film, an extended family confronts various rifts and estrangements in its ranks; years of silence must give way, slowly and haltingly, to communication. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 Nakase mentioned that Zandalasini, Salaun and Williams have worked on various options as three of the more versatile forwards on the team, and the Italian has thrived in that collaborative environment. — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Camouflage also made a comeback, executed in various creative ways. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various

Recent Examples of Synonyms for various

Adjective

Crete’s Elafonissi Beach topped Europe in a new global ranking thanks to its rare blush-colored sand, shallow lagoon, and remarkably clear water.

— Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Think subtle white hooks for a light-colored curtain, or even ones with small crystal detailing.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of colored

Adjective

The beach and hillsides around it have a long and colorful history.

— Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
The British broadcaster has done away with the graphic, colorful eye logo and replaced it with a more realistic eye as the new image for the reality TV competition.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of colorful

Adjective

The pricing in Fantasy Premier League this season is more varied than ever, with just two players coming in priced over £10million.

— Holly Shand, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton's recent distressing livestream and hospitalization have drawn varied reactions, notably involving actor Jared Padalecki.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of varied

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“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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