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 Trump has taken divergent stances on the issue. Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 That's how Fitzpatrick and Eckley merged their divergent styles. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025 The necessity of public buy-in and an inclusive process was evident to many onlookers to the divergent fortunes of both peace processes. Dana El Kurd, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 Study of Gabreski led to an understanding of convergent thinking and divergent thinking, the two pillars of ideation, which can be automated by computers as the basis for generative AI. Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • The characters are all different, but the contrast in personalities was similar.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Lee made a video about the clear-shoe trend, adopted by the likes of Simone Rocha and Loewe for spring 2026; Loewe layered socks of different colors with transparent kitten heels.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of these titles represents a distinctive cinematic vision — works that captivate with their visual language, emotional depth, and masterful craftsmanship.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Dry lower-leg skin in African-American women is distinctive for its downregulation of several free fatty acids.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore's exterior is distinct and aggressive.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Gold sought to make a similar point with Fuji – an album named for a distinct genre from Nigeria’s Yourba ethnic group that critics like Zikoko’s Tomide Marv have since claimed is largely absent from its tracklist.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • With such a prolific and diverse career, Beyoncé has simply too many iconic looks to choose from.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • These teams combine the boundary-busting power of AI with diverse human expertise to consistently produce breakthrough solutions.
    François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

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