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

Examples 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 Al Drago—Bloomberg/Getty Images On foreign policy, Walz and Vance offer divergent visions of ‘steady’ The debate began with a question on foreign policy as the escalating war in the Middle East has become a top election issue. Nik Popli, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 Their divergent paths mirror the contradictions in Iranian society of the late 20th century. The Know, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024 While a few ideas overlap, the two candidates could not be charting more divergent tax policy paths. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 This is especially true when discussing two systems as divergent as the stylish iMac and the compact powerhouse Mac mini. Brian Westover, PCMAG, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for divergent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • Our values and interests are often very different from the modal Black American.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Both Plaza and Stella play Elliott at different ages but are able to meet when young Elliott (Stella) is on a shroom trip.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Love them or hate them, Apple’s peripherals have a distinctive visual appeal, and that’s especially true of the Magic Trackpad.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Along with their distinctive, large black eye patches, giant pandas have short limbs and round bodies.
    Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The filing also details a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to fees and allowances paid to distributors for distinct services.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Each brand in the portfolio targets a distinct Gen Z and millennial audience, and aside from Princess Polly, companies under its umbrella include Culture Kings, mnml and Petal & Pup.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The cultural differences between the U.S. and South Korea, such as how diverse versus monoracial the societies are, respectively, could also impact what a 4B movement would look like among Americans.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Harris campaign:Path to presidency comes down to winning Michigan, 'blue wall' states Michigan's 13th Congressional District is a socioeconomically diverse area where Black residents account for the largest voting bloc.
    Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near divergent

Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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