disparity

noun

di-ˈsper-ə-tē How to pronounce disparity (audio)
Definition of disparitynext
as in difference
the quality or state of being different an enormous disparity in the lives of the rich and the poor in that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disparity Highlighting this stark disparity, Carbon Fact estimates that air-freighting a single synthetic shirt from China to Australia creates roughly 120 times the carbon dioxide equivalent compared to sending the same item by cargo ship. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Cities in South America, Africa, and Asia—underscoring broader regional disparities tied to infrastructure, economic stability, and public services. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026 Advocates hope — with varying degrees of optimism — that the result will help close the gaping disparities in how different demographic groups perform. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 This pre-seasoned, ¼ inch thick steel heat extremely evenly with minimal disparity between the center and edges. — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparity
  1. difference
  2. distinctiveness
  3. distinctness
  4. diversity
  5. contrast
  6. distinction
Noun
  • That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The fundamental difference is that there is no longer a coronation, and the new monarch automatically becomes king upon the death of his predecessor.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • America is the ultimate answer to the pogrom, and to the emancipation Europe offered on the condition of relinquishing Jewish ethnic and cultural distinctiveness.
    — Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    — Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of distinctness
Noun
  • The public speech extolled the diversity of the Scandinavian nation and was viewed on social media by millions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There have been relatively few large-scale national decomposition studies involving different land use types, although smaller studies have shown that how humans use a site can significantly affect the soil’s biological diversity.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • American college sports, by contrast, have historically served as the major development system for professional football.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In contrast to the standard seven-course tasting menu, starting from £225 per head (~$300), the flexible à la carte menu allows diners to experience a multi-course, three-star masterclass for under £100 (~$135).
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of contrast
Noun
  • That distinction could become central to Maduro’s attempt to separate his case from that of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega, one of the closest historical comparisons.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That distinction becomes important as benchmarks approach their ceilings.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinction

Browse Nearby Words

disparateness
disparity
dispassion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disparity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparity. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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