Use 'dissimilar' to highlight differences when comparing two or more things. Her painting style is dissimilar to the conventional techniques used by her peers.
Pro Tip 2/3
Degree of Difference
'Dissimilar' implies a clear distinction but doesn't specify how different the things are. The twins had dissimilar opinions about the movie, one loved it and the other didn't.
Pro Tip 3/3
Avoid Negative Nuance
While pointing out differences, 'dissimilar' does not imply that one is better. The two proposals were dissimilar in scope but equally comprehensive.