divergence

noun

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di·ver·gence | \ də-ˈvər-jən(t)s

, dī- \

Definition of divergence

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

b : difference, disagreement

c evolutionary biology : the development of dissimilar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in closely related populations, species, or lineages of common ancestry that typically occupy dissimilar environments or ecological niches : divergent evolution

2 : a deviation from a course or standard

3 : the condition of being mathematically divergent

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About divergence

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 on the Web The divergence between real history and our alternate history just grows broader as, as the show goes on. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 10 June 2022 The current divergence between the wealthiest Americans and the lower 90 percent of earners began in the late 1970s, after a post-World War II era of rising wages and not-outlandish differences in pay between workers and management. — Peter Weber, The Week, 9 June 2022 One reason for the divergence: Home Depot’s greater reliance on professionals such as contractors and electricians, which make up around half of total revenue. — Dean Seal, WSJ, 18 May 2022 As the night continued with dizzying performances and head-scratching gimmicks, the divergence between the digital and the physical became difficult to discern. — Ian Malone, Vogue, 12 May 2022 The main reason for the almost perfect divergence of EV and battery prices is that most automakers are developing luxury EV models before expanding into cheaper, mass-market vehicles. — Nicolás Rivero, Quartz, 4 May 2022 The reasons for the divergence of public opinion and court actions aren’t hard to find. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2022 The divergence between the series begins with a measlier sports selection than 2009's Wii Sports Resort. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 3 May 2022 As for divergence, our survey found a considerable degree of variance regarding the areas of companies’ ESG data that investors say are in greatest need of improvement. — R. Mukund, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 See More

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.