Different Synonyms | Uses & Example Sentences
Different is an adjective that means “not the same” or “unusual.”
Some synonyms for different are:
- Diverse
- Distinct
- Disparate
- Unsimilar
- Dissimilar
- Unalike
- Uncommon
- Offbeat
- Peculiar
- Unique
- Novel
Synonyms for different
When different means “not the same,” some synonyms are stronger matches than others. For example, “diverse” is generally a good replacement for different.
On the other hand, “contradictory” may not always be a good fit for different because it means things are mutually opposed or inconsistent as well.
A QuillBot Grammar Check can make sure you use different and its synonyms correctly.
| Match | Synonym | Different example | Synonym example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strongest | Diverse | In my experience as a teacher, using different methods is most effective. | In my experience as a teacher, using diverse methods is most effective. |
| Distinct | Each cuisine has different flavors and spices. | Each cuisine has distinct flavors and spices. | |
| Disparate | The contest wasn’t fair because the judges used different criteria when choosing the finalists. | The contest wasn’t fair because the judges used disparate criteria when choosing the finalists. | |
| Unsimilar | The restaurants have similar menus but very different ambiences. | The restaurants have similar menus but very unsimilar ambiences. | |
| Dissimilar | These desserts are so different, but we love both of them equally! | These desserts are so dissimilar, but we love both of them equally! | |
| Unalike | They have different tastes in music. | They have unalike tastes in music. | |
| Strong | Distinguishable | The twins have different handwriting. | The twins have distinguishable handwriting. |
| Divergent | The candidates outlined their different views in the debate. | The candidates outlined their divergent views in the debate. | |
| Contrasting | That song evokes different emotions in me. | That song evokes contrasting emotions in me. | |
| Varied | The author writes books in different genres, including historical fiction and fantasy. | The author writes books in varied genres, including historical fiction and fantasy. | |
| Weak | Opposing | My brothers have different perspectives on politics. | My brothers have opposing perspectives on politics. |
| Incomparable | Those two films are different; one is a comedy, and one is a dark drama. | Those two films are incomparable; one is a comedy, and one is a dark drama. | |
| Contradictory | The results were different from what we expected. | The results were contradictory to what we expected. |
Different can be used informally to mean “unusual,” too. In this context, weak synonyms— “strange” and “odd”—may carry negative connotations, so use them carefully.
When in doubt, stronger synonyms like “uncommon” or “unique” are more neutral options to replace different with this meaning.
| Match | Synonym | Different example | Synonym example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strongest | Uncommon | It’s different for him to be afraid; something must be up. | It’s uncommon for him to be afraid; something must be up. |
| Peculiar | Sarah recognizes that her ideas are different. | Sarah recognizes that her ideas are peculiar. | |
| Unique | This building shows off a truly different architectural style. | This building shows off a truly unique architectural style. | |
| Novel | His invention was definitely different. | His invention was definitely novel. | |
| Strong | Rare | The way the author writes dialogue is different. | The way the author writes dialog is rare. |
| Unconventional | It’s different to wear bright colors to a funeral. | It’s unconventional to wear bright colors to a funeral. | |
| Unexpected | This song was very different for the musician. | This song was very unexpected for the musician. | |
| Weak | Strange | This plant has a different growth pattern. | This plant has a strange growth pattern. |
| Odd | That’s a different way of cleaning windows. | That’s an odd way of cleaning windows. | |
| Quirky | Our science teacher is a bit different. | Our science teacher is a bit quirky. |
Frequently asked questions about different synonyms
- What’s a synonym for very different?
-
Some synonyms for “very different” are:
- Very diverse
- Highly divergent
- Especially distinct
- Particularly dissimilar
- Extremely uncommon
You can form more synonyms for “very different” by choosing a synonym for different and adding the adverb “very” in front of it.
Or, use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to find other ways to express “very different.”
- What’s a synonym for completely different?
-
Synonyms for “completely different” include:
- Totally distinct
- Entirely uncommon
- Wholly diverse
- Fully dissimilar
- Altogether divergent
You could also take another synonym for different and modify it with the adverb “completely.”
QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can also help you find more synonyms for “completely different.”
- What’s a synonym for on a different note?
-
Some synonyms for the idiom “on a different note” are:
- On another note
- Switching topics
- Changing gears
- Alternatively
- Moving on
- But enough about that
QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you find even more ways to express this idiom.
