divergent

Definition of divergentnext

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 The district has one of the highest concentration of Jewish voters in the nation, with Goldman and Lander staking out divergent views on the Israel question. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026 Despite these vastly divergent horizons, fly fishing and watchmaking emerge as parallel arts in Cerrato’s evocations. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 23 May 2026 The kitchen-sink drama follows five working-class friends — Patrick, Shiv, Rian, Oli and Conor — who grew up together in a tower block in Birmingham and are now in their thirties, finding themselves on increasingly divergent, and for most of them increasingly constrained, paths to the future. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 The beautiful array of their divergent sizes and pelts coalesced as oils on canvas and rendered their exploits almost dreamlike. Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • But bringing Lestat into the present introduced a different challenge.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • The program is not so different to some policies already pursued by the current Labour government.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • For her first appearance at the Royal Ascot in three years, Middleton paired the neutral, beige heels with a bright yellow Roksanda dress featuring a distinctive bow detail at the shoulder and a midi-length skirt.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
  • Unlike many symmetrical cuts, the pear shape has a distinctive sense of direction, creating movement and lending a stronger visual identity.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both Kalshi and Polymarket argue that trading on their platforms is distinct from gambling.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Schneider also has some distinct tattoos, including a cherry blossom on her right thigh, stylist scissors on her left inner forearm and a flower on the top of her left foot.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Inglewood is already diverse — most residents are Latino or Black, and nearly a third are immigrants.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • The potential benefits of more inclusive workplaces are 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals better placed to develop and produce diverse Canadian stories to more accurately reflect multicultural audiences at home and worldwide.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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