divergence

noun di·ver·gence \ -ˈvər-jən(t)s \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of divergence

1 a : a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)

b : difference, disagreement

c : the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms in unlike environments

2 : a deviation from a course or standard

3 : the condition of being mathematically divergent

See divergence defined for kids

Examples of divergence in a Sentence

a growing divergence of opinion about that U.S. president's place in history
any divergence from the community's strict moral code was met with social ostracism

Recent Examples of divergence from the Web

Notably, the levels of AVP in the blood showed no significant divergence in the two groups of monkeys.

— andrew joseph, STAT, "In monkeys, researchers find possible biological marker of autism," 2 May 2018
No doubt in 10 years time, there will be more divergence in the relationship between the U.K. and Europe.

— elena berton, USA TODAY, "Normandy wants to lure 'hot entrepreneurs' worried about Brexit," 24 Apr. 2018
This time, however, the divergence has spilled into public in a remarkable display of discord that stems not just from competing views of Russia but from larger questions of political ambition, jealousy, resentment and loyalty.

— peter baker, julie hirschfeld davis and maggie haberman, New York Times, "Sanctions Flap Erupts Into Open Conflict Between Haley and White House," 17 Apr. 2018
The points of divergence for these games are in their stakes and tone, as well as a new mechanic introduced in Ignorance is Strength’s last episode.

— michael moore, The Verge, "After Cambridge Analytica, this game about government surveillance feels quaint," 15 Apr. 2018
In the case of divergence between the French and English texts of the Olympic Charter and any other IOC document, the French text shall prevail unless expressly provided otherwise in writing.

— jamie ducharme, Time, "Here's Why They're Speaking French at the Olympics Closing Ceremony," 26 Feb. 2018
This divergence may reflect real differences in the number of children who have autism.

— jessica wright, Scientific American, "Autism Prevalence Jumps 16 Percent, CDC Says," 27 Apr. 2018
The current Sino-U.S. policy divergence reflects their contrasting economic positions.

— nathaniel taplin, WSJ, "The U.S.-China Policy Divergence Is—Again—Key to Markets," 27 Apr. 2018
And the divergences are many, the most complicated being a lingering border dispute.

— muneeza naqvi, Fox News, "India-China summit expected to ease tensions over border," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'divergence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.