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
  • The Uncut Gems star's ensemble deviates from his signature style, which typically includes oversize T-shirts, hoodies and shorts, as well as stylish sneakers.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The manager did not believe a lineup that had slugged the most home runs in the National League needed to deviate from its identity to finally produce runs with a modicum of consistency.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With more devices brought into Michigan classrooms in recent years, educators have found ways to separate students from their phones during class time.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Formed from a $46 billion merger, the food company is expected to separate in the second half of 2026.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Their next goal is to turn the system into a practical tool for early fire detection.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
  • While wildfire season in Arizona used to arrive in spring and reliably end by the monsoon, fire seasons have turned into fire years as the blazes become more erratic and frequent.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The model's dark hair was parted exactly in the center, then pulled up and back in a tight style reminiscent of the perfectly precise buns worn by prima ballerinas.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Earlier this month, KG and JYP USA announced that both parties had settled the lawsuit and parted amicably.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But if your peonies are flowering less over time or nearby plants are encroaching on their growing space, dividing them in fall is one simple solution.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Every Democrat in the chamber supported the legislation while Republicans were evenly divided.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Ten Hag’s first season at United yielded silverware and a third-place league finish, but also had bouts of concerning away form, with tactical weaknesses that would eventually spread and critically undermine his plans for the future.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • From a cap perspective, bonus money is spread across the lifetime of a contract, even if the money is forked over at once, allowing Jones to outspend his competition in part thanks to the Cowboys’ league-leading cash flow.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Like, say, where the Chiefs looked eager to retreat — the locker room.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Afterward, retreat to the spa’s relaxation lounge—where a glowing copper teardrop floats above cedar banquettes—while next door, the subterranean fitness center boasts Technogym gear and treadmills—all below the waterline.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diverge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverge. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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