divagation

Definition of divagationnext
1
as in tangent
a departure from the subject under consideration this may well appear to be a divagation at first, but I hope to establish the relevance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard a self-consciously "literary" novel that represents a major divagation from traditional narrative

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divagation
Noun
  • June 21 – July 22 Wandering down conversational tangents will be especially tempting today.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The original investigation spawned two main tangents involving Becciu, once a leading Vatican cardinal and future papal contender.
    NICOLE WINFIELD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Medical research has historically treated the female body as a deviation from a male baseline, leaving critical gaps in understanding that have real-world consequences.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • The only deviations from the hue can be found on the steel screws on the bezel, the titanium caseback and crown chip, and the white accents on the dial.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Many guests are juggling packed itineraries—pyramid visits, museum stops, Nile cruise transfers—and the staff are well practiced at coordinating drivers, guides, and early departures.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • The family of former WSL head coach Matt Beard raised concerns that his employment and departure from Burnley Football Club contributed to the decline in mental health, and ultimately, his death.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 12 May 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Divagation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divagation. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster