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 Watch vessel-level AIS tracking data for the Gibraltar corridor itself, the kind of transit-time and vessel-count monitoring the IMF's PortWatch initiative already runs, for any early divergence from the roughly 300-vessels-per-day baseline. Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 But the dramatic divergence of the new measurement from the detector’s own past results, along with the collaboration’s claim of high precision, made the situation hard to ignore. Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 29 July 2026 If entry-level consultants, lawyers, and financial analysts were being systematically substituted out at the pace Amodei described to 60 Minutes in November 2025, McCrory’s occupation-level unemployment data should already show some divergence. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 July 2026 The bullish divergence from 2021-2023 predating the trend change. Jay Woods, CNBC, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergence
Noun
  • Previous studies also have found differences between passive sedentary behaviors, such as television watching, and more mentally active ones, including solving puzzles and being mentally engaged during work.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this week, former GOP Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, endorsed Ossoff saying despite their policy differences, Flake applauds Ossoff's character and his commitment to doing the job.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The movie itself disappoints him for its deviations from the Stephen King novel (including this detail may help preempt criticisms over this adaptation), but he’s also distracted by the presence of a strikingly handsome stranger (Homer Gere).
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders need a baseline of normal behavior for each agent and the ability to detect deviation from that baseline.
    Steve Wilson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Caribbean is a region almost purpose-built for cruising—closely set islands that offer immense diversity in culture and history, each with their own siren lure.
    Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • English and Swahili are widely used in worship, alongside numerous indigenous languages, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the church’s membership.
    Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At 11/2, Liverpool are third-favourites to win the 2026/27 Premier League title, reflecting how much talent is still at the club even after the departure of some key figures.
    Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sacramento Regional Transit will adjust six bus routes beginning Sunday, including delaying departure times and eliminating one early-morning trip from Florin.
    Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergence. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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