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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Originally developed as a golf simulator and used as a training tool by the likes of Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods, Full Swing fits within Versant’s various holdings in and around the sport. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026 Cable and telecom lobby groups submitted comments supporting the FCC plan to eliminate or relax various requirements. —

Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 Jarritos in various flavors, soft drinks, Mexican Coca-Cola and rotating flavors of aguas frescas. —

Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 Pourriat worked as a waiter while Grébaut attended the Ferrandi Paris culinary school, then working in various internships, per the outlet. —

Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for various

Recent Examples of Synonyms for various

Adjective

Saperavi is the starting point for reds — the name means dye in Georgian, a reference to its extraordinary pigmentation, one of only a handful of grapes in the world with naturally colored flesh and juice.

— Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
People are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts fo the day.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Definition of colored

Adjective

The coast is dotted with colorful fishing villages, while the region’s interior is made up of rolling green hills and gently sloped vineyards.

— Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Fast-food chain Sonic, for instance, has a timely deal and colorful commemorative cups.

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of colorful

Adjective

In discussing her varied interests and style sense, Pilar Queen said her mother developed her own sense of style and wasn’t influenced by her own mother.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and eat a varied diet instead of relying heavily on the same foods every day.

— Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026