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Different is a common word in the English language that is used to describe things that are not the same or similar. It is an adjective that can be used to compare and contrast things, and it is often used to express diversity and variety. However, using the same word repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive and dull. Therefore, it is important to have a variety of synonyms for different to make your writing more interesting and varied.
Different Synonyms
“Different” Meaning
Different is an adjective that is used to describe something that is not the same as something else. It is often used to highlight the distinctions or variations between things. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of things, from people to ideas to objects.
Examples:
- The two sisters have different tastes in music.
- We need to find a different approach to solve this problem.
- The teacher asked us to write a paragraph about how we are different from each other.
- The two paintings are from different time periods.
List of Synonyms for Different
- Aberrant
- Abnormal
- Additional
- Altered
- Alternative
- Antithetical
- Apart
- Assorted
- At odds
- At variance
- Bizarre
- Certain
- Changed
- Changing
- Clashing
- Conflicting
- Contradictory
- Contrary
- Contrasting
- Converse
- Curious
- Deviating
- Differential
- Differentiated
- Differing
- Discordant
- Discrepant
- Discrete
- Disparate
- Dissimilar
- Distant
- Distinct
- Distinctive
- Distinguished
- Divergent
- Divers
- Diverse
- Diversified
- Eccentric
- Else
- Equal
- Exceptional
- Extraordinary
- Fresh
- Heterogeneous
- Incompatible
- Inconsistent
- Individual
- Irregular
- Manifold
- Many
- Miscellaneous
- Mismatched
- Multifarious
- Multiple
- New
- Next
- Nonidentical
- Novel
- Numerous
- Odd
- Offbeat
- Opposed
- Opposing
- Opposite
- Original
- Other
- Otherwise
- Outlandish
- Particular
- Peculiar
- Plural
- Poles apart
- Queer
- Remarkable
- Respective
- Reverse
- Same
- Second
- Separate
- Several
- Similar
- Single
- Singular
- Something else
- Special
- Specific
- Strange
- Sundry
- Turned
- Unalike
- Uncommon
- Unconventional
- Unequal
- Unfamiliar
- Unique
- Unlike
- Unusual
- Variant
- Varied
- Varies
- Various
- Vary
- Varying
- Weird
Types of Synonyms for Different
General
- Diverse
- Distinct
- Varied
- Various
Size
- Varying
- Assorted
- Differing
- Disparate
Opinion
- Dissimilar
- Contrasting
- Unalike
- Unlike
Common Synonyms for Different
Different vs. Unlike
“Different” is used to compare two or more items that are not the same or not identical. “Unlike” is used to highlight a contrast or dissimilarity between two things.
- The two dresses are different in style.
- Unlike her sister, she prefers tea over coffee.
Different vs. Uncommon
“Different” is used to compare two or more items that are not the same or not identical.
“Uncommon” is used to describe something that is not frequently encountered or is rare.
- The two siblings have different personalities.
- Seeing a rainbow in the desert is uncommon.
Different vs. Distinct
“Different” is used to compare two or more items that are not the same or not identical.
“Distinct” is used to emphasize the clear difference or separation between two or more items.
- The two cars have different colors.
- The two species of birds have distinct calls, making it easy to differentiate between them.
Synonyms for Opportunity in Different Contexts
In Formal Writing
- Divergent: The company’s new marketing strategy is divergent from its previous approach.
- Disparate: The two cultures have disparate beliefs and traditions.
- Distinctive: The artist’s use of vibrant colors is distinctive and easily recognizable.
In Casual Conversation
- Unalike: The unalike twins looked nothing alike, with one being tall and the other short.
- Unlike: Unlike her sister, Sarah preferred tea over coffee.
- Varied: The varied selection of fruits at the market included apples, oranges, and bananas.
Absolute and Near Synonyms for Different
Absolute Synonyms for Different
| Synonym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Diverse | Composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities |
| Distinct | Readily distinguishable from all others |
| Disparate | Fundamentally distinct or different in kind |
| Varied | Characterized by variety; diverse |
| Dissimilar | Not alike; different |
Near Synonyms for Different
| Synonym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Other | Used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one already mentioned or known about |
| Various | Of different kinds, as two or more things; differing one from another |
| Unlike | Different from; not resembling |
| Divergent | Tending to be different or develop in different directions |
| Distinctive | Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others |
Synonyms for Different with Examples | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some formal alternatives to the word ‘different’?
If you are looking for a formal alternative to the word ‘different’, you can use words like ‘varied’, ‘diverse’, ‘distinct’, ‘disparate’, and ‘heterogeneous’. These words convey the idea of something being unlike or dissimilar.
What is another way to say ‘this is different’ in a professional context?
In a professional context, you can say ‘this is distinct’, ‘this is unique’, ‘this is unlike anything else’, or ‘this stands out from the rest’. These phrases convey the idea of something being different in a positive or noteworthy way.
What are some antonyms of ‘different’ for a balanced understanding of its usage?
Some antonyms of ‘different’ include ‘similar’, ‘identical’, ‘alike’, ‘same’, and ‘uniform’. These words suggest a similarity or sameness between two or more things.
How would you define ‘diverse’ in relation to ‘different’?
‘Diverse’ refers to a range of different things or people, while ‘different’ refers to something that is not the same as something else. ‘Diverse’ suggests a variety or multiplicity of things, while ‘different’ suggests a contrast or distinction between two or more things.
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