Definition of divergencenext
1
as in divergency
a movement in different directions away from a common point a growing divergence of opinion about that U.S. president's place in history

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2
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard any divergence from the community's strict moral code was met with social ostracism

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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 divergence The result is that high performers inside organizations are often becoming substantially more productive while others remain relatively flat, and that divergence compounds over time. Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Bia observed Italy’s divergence from France since the two countries met in the 2006 World Cup final. Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 30 May 2026 The divergence in their views was clearest — and most damaging — on the IMF’s recommendation for Senegal to restructure its debt. Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 25 May 2026 For a while, Howe masked this divergence between reality and expectations. George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergence
Noun
  • Light and Dark Backsplash and White Counters Choose a marble backsplash with a drastic color difference between the white and gray threads of color for a maximalist, glam look.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
  • There are no specific treatments for the strain of Ebola driving the current outbreak, but early medical care can make a big difference.
    Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Slavery, in their telling, was not a system on which the country was built, but a deviation from the immutable truths on which it was founded.
    Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
  • Inside his brilliance lies a complex vibrato, leading to the richest of articulated vocals, even some soulful deviation that lean towards hints of melisma.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • All of it—the trees, the wildlife, the assemblage of diversity in both life and death through which Jacobs stalked in 1867—all of it was in a last gasp for existence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • In correspondence discouraging districts’ diversity programs, the administration has repeatedly cited a broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, which prevented colleges and universities from directly considering race in admissions.
    Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • More recently, Louise Trotter was creative director from February 2023 until her departure for Bottega Veneta in December 2024.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 8 June 2026
  • Following Hyunjin’s departure, the space opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience the installation and activities throughout the weekend.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergence. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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