divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt 

dī-

1

a

: moving or extending in different directions from a common point : diverging from each other

divergent paths

see also divergent evolution

b

: differing from each other or from a standard

the divergent interests of capital and labor

2

mathematics : relating to or being an infinite (see infinite entry 1 sense 4c) sequence that does not have a limit or an infinite series whose partial sums do not have a limit

3

physics : causing rays (see ray entry 2 sense 1b) to draw apart from a common center : causing divergence of rays

a divergent lens

divergently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for divergent

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.

different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples of divergent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amid growing evidence of slowing fertility rates in the United States, a new report contained a pair of surprising details from two divergent age groups: A growing number of women older than 40 are having children and a record low number of teenagers are giving birth. —Sarah Varney, NBC News, 18 Mar. 2025

In the House of Representatives, competing stablecoin bills reflect divergent regulatory approaches, but Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) has introduced a discussion draft that closely mirrors Hagerty’s GENIUS Act. —Tonya M. Evans, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Keiko Green’s script offers wildly divergent storytelling pathways that are executed fiercely by director Jesca Prudencio and a universally brilliant cast. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

Presidential Administrations, so often wildly divergent one from the other in tone and in political direction, are concatenated by this littlest nod toward God. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dīvergent-, dīvergens, present participle of dīvergere "to proceed in different directions, diverge"

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing divergent

• divergent evolution

Rhymes for divergent

• convergent
• detergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent
• serjeant
• urgent

Kids Definition

divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt 

dī-

: diverging from each other

divergently adverb