various

adjective

ˈver-ē-əs How to pronounce various (audio)
Definition of variousnext
as in varied
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 She was seen wearing the jewel at the British Fashion Awards in December 2009, and again during various appearances in 2010. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 6 July 2025 Senior members of the team's management have reportedly scheduled talks with various drivers during the British Grand Prix weekend, Newsweek Sports reported. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 Candace Cameron Bure is opening up about the various weight-loss trends taking over Hollywood. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025 Faithful Hill Country comes together In Kerrville, churches of various denominations have worked to shelter and feed people in the county seat of Kerr County, which has become a destination for retirees. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
  1. varied
  2. colorful
Adjective
  • The reality of Cancun is much more varied and infinitely richer than most visitors realize.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • What’s more impressive about the music in the film is how the directors find smart, varied ways to stage the songs.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
Definition of varied
Adjective
  • Not to mention, the pastry pink shade is perfect for bright, colorful summer outfits.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
  • This Superman brings back the colorful visuals, the humor, the clever quips in the midst of battle, the lightheartedness of the vintage comics.
    — Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of colorful

Browse Nearby Words

variety stores
various
variously
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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of various for Spanish Speakers

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