divergent

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divergent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of divergent are different, disparate, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

When would different be a good substitute for divergent?

While the synonyms different and divergent are close in meaning, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When might disparate be a better fit than divergent?

The meanings of disparate and divergent largely overlap; however, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When is diverse a more appropriate choice than divergent?

The words diverse and divergent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Where would various be a reasonable alternative to divergent?

The synonyms various and divergent are sometimes interchangeable, but various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

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 divergent This mindset acknowledges that the most valuable ideas often arise from the clash of divergent thoughts. Anna Barnhill, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Deep fractures ruptured along political, cultural and geographic lines, as Americans embraced divergent ideas about how to cope with the pandemic. Bill Chappell, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025 What’s immediately striking is how quickly and economically its characters are established in medias res, through seemingly banal conversation and hints of individual personality just divergent enough to cause friction. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025 On Capitol Hill, the divergent approaches to the student debt crisis add to borrowers’ uncertainty. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • Pope Francis preached the same gospel in different language.
    John Hope Bryant, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The ability of the government to cross-reference personal information using databases from different agencies is tightly regulated under the US Privacy Act.
    Dell Cameron, Wired News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From its facial expressions to its distinctive chirp, the creature is wreathed in a kind of nostalgia that Eighties kids will remember from those early days trolling the VHS rack at their local Blockbuster.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • They were inspired by treasured calligraphy tools, and each brush features a unique walnut handle with distinctive grain.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders must align their efforts but never relinquish their distinct accountabilities.
    Shivali Kukreja, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Epic Universe, the $7 billion attraction from Comcast Corp.’s Universal Destinations & Experiences division, offers five distinct lands and opens to the public on May 22.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The school district is one of the nation’s largest and most ethnically and religiously diverse.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the biggest opportunities for Fort Worth include growth in population, growing the technology industry, expanding tourism, becoming more inclusive and diverse, protecting the environment, and creating job opportunities.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

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