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 Cadillac's marketing materials highlight both the luxury and sporty spirit of this crossover, and the shock dampers needed to live up to those somewhat divergent goals. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025 Our social skills are our most important tools to reveal the divergent thinking the AI era desperately needs. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • New York is estimated to have over 100 different types of trees, with the most common kinds being birch, maple and beech trees.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Texas lawmakers are looking to rein in access to products that contain THC, but the House and Senate could take somewhat different approaches.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These minerals vary depending on the spring, giving sparkling water its distinctive taste profiles—from softly bubbly and subtly salty to bracingly effervescent with a sharp minerality.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This distinctive hue, paler in the center and deeper around the edges, evokes the shimmering beauty of alpine glaciers and lakes and the change in their reflections as the light changes and time passes.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Each scent captures a distinct encounter, using an olfactory experience to transport the wearer to a specific moment in time.
    Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The case is composed of four distinct elements: two lateral sections, a case back and a bezel.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The survey offers a detailed portrait of a diverse and evolving Jewish community and its religious beliefs, political identities and migration patterns.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Melbourne’s food scene celebrates its diverse population, and the city’s history is told through its restaurants.
    Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

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