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

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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 diverge But, for healthy children 6 months to 17 years, the CDC diverged from Kennedy slightly. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025 Music and activism are not diverging forces for Olivia Pierce, who performs under the name Moyana. Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 Respected medical associations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have offered their own recommendations, diverging from federal guidance. Chantelle Lee, Time, 3 Sep. 2025 Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Ozon diverges from the text in a few key places to offer a postcolonial reading of a novel that was published two decades before Algeria liberated itself from French rule. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diverge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverge
Verb
  • Use words, phrases, and approaches that deviate from traditional power-play leadership to cultivate a revolutionary, individualistic leadership style.
    Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Princess of Wales has rarely deviated from her signature brunette tresses, often styled in a bouncy blowout, since marrying into the royal family in 2011.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But that isn’t separating Texans from their steaks.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Gray loves Catrice Hyper Lash Mascara, which separates lashes for definition, length, volume, and curl.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nolthenius hopes that more astronomers – professionals and amateurs – will turn their eyes to the skies to observe Quaoar's occultations.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In less than six hours, the protest turned violent when police used water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and then gunfire, killing at least 19 people including children and injuring hundreds of others.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The piece shows the king with hair parted down the middle and with a long goatee, photos show.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The designer's long, dark hair is parted to the side and styled sleek and straight.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While Towanda plans the wedding of her dreams, the family is rocked by medical emergencies, explosive emotional confrontations, and the fallout from a public scandal that threatens to divide them for good.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
    Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • More interestingly, the staff begins to spread its wings when granted opportunities to report.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Blending ancient Vedic verses and Indian classical traditions with vibrant instrumentation and choral arrangements, Soul Ecstasy is part of Tandon’s mission of spreading joy through both economic and emotional empowerment.
    Billboard Staff, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the industry side, Focus closed the biggest deal, with our colleague Anthony D’Alessandro reporting the studio was forking out upwards of $15M on the horror flick Obsession from YouTuber Curry Barker.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As the grand prize has climbed, so too has the number of participants forking over $2 per ticket for a chance to win the life-altering jackpot.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And if the Fed ends up cutting fewer times than traders expect, including three this year, the market could retreat in disappointment.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • One deputy retreated while two of them fired their guns, hitting Williams and Lane, authorities said.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diverge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverge. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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