disparate

adjective

ˈdi-sp(ə-)rət How to pronounce disparate (audio)
Definition of disparatenext
as in diverse
being not of the same kind disparate notions among adults and adolescents about when middle age begins

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Netflix’s upcoming drama Unabomber, starring Jacob Tremblay as a teenage Ted Kaczynski, draws a throughline between those two disparate images and helps explain how one led to the other. — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026 But a huge issue in these talks specifically is that the sides are operating in disparate frameworks. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Finally, for decades, liberals and conservatives have been sorting into disparate geographic locations and lifestyles, and their respective bubbles seem to reinforce the decision to have children, or not. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 The United States’ primary goal for three and a half decades has been to lock its disparate allies into an order built around protecting Israel while containing, at first, Iran and Iraq, and more recently Iran and its nonstate allies. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
  1. diverse
  2. different
  3. distinctive
  4. distinct
Adjective
  • This reframes California's economic health, highlighting a vibrant, diverse entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shine.
    — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But a new study has found reliable evidence that this formative process involved more diverse species also making the transition.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • The system administrator should have different capabilities than a patrol officer.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Chaparral features interchangeable cargo pods, enabling operators to adapt the aircraft for different missions without altering its core platform.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of different
Adjective
  • That copper complex is also responsible for the formula’s distinctive blue hue, while glycerin and two forms of hyaluronic acid draw in moisture for an immediate plumping effect.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • During the traditional preparation process, calcium is added, which gives the jelly its distinctive firm and rubbery texture.
    — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, active adult rental has begun to emerge as a distinct property type.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinct

Browse Nearby Words

disparagingly
disparate
disparateness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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