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 Our culture blends curiosity, respect and humor, uniting divergent thinkers from apparel, robotics, electronics and large-scale manufacturing. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 29 July 2025 These divergent responses reflect the companies’ business models and interests, risk tolerance, and long-term bets on AI regulation both in Europe and at home in the United States. Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Newcastle have pursued James Trafford for more than a year but have struggled to make substantive progress during negotiations with Burnley this summer, given their divergent respective valuations of the goalkeeper. David Ornstein, New York Times, 22 July 2025 As a result of these divergent trends, there now exists an 11-point gap in confidence between the two major parties — the largest since Gallup began regular tracking 46 years ago. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • Bestowing a different kind of moving stillness from his recent works, with sequences that convey a radiant atmosphere and buzzing natural life, Back Home draws attention to the brilliance all around, a homecoming of sorts after a string of films about a Walker in exile.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Unlike many artists, who tease singles for months and space out releases by years, YoungBoy takes a different approach.
    Xander Zellner, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The robber was seen in the surveillance footage wearing distinctive blue and white high-top shoes, the affidavit states.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2025
  • In general, the only ways to date sediments are if there’s a layer of volcanic ash in them, or by distinctive fossils in the sediments.
    Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cutting this rate encourages economic activity in two distinct ways.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The Old Farmer's Almanac, distinct from the Farmers' Almanac, claims an 80% accuracy rate for its weather predictions.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That includes examining how digital agents interact with diverse teams, supporting inclusion efforts and avoiding bias amplification through unchecked machine learning.
    Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • These diverse settings motivated her to experiment with a range of stylistic elements, including rap and reggaeton.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!