Synonyms of diverge

diverge

verb

də-ˈvərj 

1

as in to deviate

to change one's course or direction

the deer abruptly diverged from its intended path the moment it spied the waiting lynx

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deviate
• turn
• swing
• veer
• sheer
• turn off
• detour
• wheel
• swerve
• tack
• turn back
• double (back)
• zigzag

2

as in to separate

to go or move in different directions from a central point

at that point the road and the railroad tracks diverge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• separate
• part
• divide
• spread
• fork
• retreat
• scatter
• branch (out)
• disperse
• dissipate
• recede
• disband
• distribute
• dispel
• broadcast
• clear out
• distance
• bestrew
• sow
• break up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• join
• converge
• meet
• gather
• assemble

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb diverge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of diverge are depart, deviate, digress, swerve, and veer. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When is depart a more appropriate choice than diverge?

The words depart and diverge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

In what contexts can deviate take the place of diverge?

Although the words deviate and diverge have much in common, deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

When can digress be used instead of diverge?

In some situations, the words digress and diverge are roughly equivalent. However, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

Where would swerve be a reasonable alternative to diverge?

The words swerve and diverge can be used in similar contexts, but swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

When could veer be used to replace diverge?

The synonyms veer and diverge are sometimes interchangeable, but veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of diverge

According to the study, the two species likely diverged millions of years ago. —Lauren Liebhaber updated July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025

Another diverging diamond interchange could be coming to an interstate in the Milwaukee metro area. —Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025

If not for our nation’s First Amendment, our country could quickly resemble a despotism where police forces attack reporters and quash news reports that diverge from the official view. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 July 2025

The groups may have diverged from each other about 130 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period, the researchers said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 July 2025