disparate 1 of 2

Definition of disparatenext

disparity

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
That these staffing changes and scandals involve figures from such disparate parts of the Administration, and are coming just months ahead of the midterm elections, suggests a more generalized crisis. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026 Latin America is considered the birthplace of community radio, and the platform continues in the 21st century to serve a number of disparate communities in both urban and rural regions. Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
As a result, the plaintiffs alleged that Capital One deceptively marketed the 360 Savings account and concealed interest rate disparities. Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 The uneven access across states can exacerbate disparities. Moriah Balingit, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • During the last decade, Parker’s routine has fostered one of the country’s most compelling new music scenes, where players from diverse backgrounds and demographics have converged to create wildly accessible improvised music.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The vast and diverse plant category of ground covers includes tough, fast-spreading creeping wire vine, drought-tolerant Blue Rug Juniper or Myoporum, and colorful flowering ground covers like iceplant and common periwinkle.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Alex Bonetig’s goal more than five minutes into extra time made the difference for Portland (4-1-5), which threatened repeatedly late to break a 1-1 stalemate that lasted nearly the entire second half.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Their fans will have cast a nervous glance at the goal difference column after City raced into the lead at Turf Moor through Erling Haaland after five minutes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Notably, Bauhinia blakeana is a sterile hybrid, resulting from the cross-pollination of two different plant varieties.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Those two would be no different.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
    Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Providing more distinctiveness is Neville’s tagging along for the weekly dinner with the host (Edebiri in this case), Michaels and select cast members, which takes place early in the schedule and at the same Italian restaurant every week.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What Makes Steller Sea Lions Different Beyond their size, Steller sea lions have distinctive habits and capabilities.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Images of her outside the hotel were splashed across tabloids, with The Carlyle’s distinctive gold revolving door in the background.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Culture and Tourism Minister Nuri Ersoy announced this remarkable discovery on social media, describing it as an exemplary work of art featuring a distinct style, according to Turkiye Today.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Matt Boldy might be one of the most underrated players in the NHL, but yeah, that was one very distinct kicking motion.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • San Francisco and New York City are leading office demand, as AI tech employment rises quickly in the former and diversity of employment fuels the latter.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission is seeking early renewal for all eight station licenses owned by ABC related to the broadcaster’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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