divergent

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divergent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of divergent are different, disparate, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

When would different be a good substitute for divergent?

While the synonyms different and divergent are close in meaning, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When might disparate be a better fit than divergent?

The meanings of disparate and divergent largely overlap; however, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When is diverse a more appropriate choice than divergent?

The words diverse and divergent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Where would various be a reasonable alternative to divergent?

The synonyms various and divergent are sometimes interchangeable, but various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

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 divergent The contributory-infringement question is legally and practically important, and courts of appeals have taken divergent approaches to the question. ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025 There are certain things that overlap, like podcasts and Netflix, but YouTube on television is a very divergent split. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 Gaza Conflict The recent release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander has sharpened tensions between Trump and Netanyahu, exposing their increasingly divergent strategies on Gaza. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 Many of those who joined Sunday's marches had traveled from across Poland, a country of nearly 38 million people, not just to support a candidate but to rally behind sharply divergent visions for the nation's future. Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • Alaa’s family, campaigners, and parliamentarians are urging the UK government to take more concrete and decisive action—to deploy new and different tools, including amending FCDO travel advice for Egypt and considering sanctions on those responsible for Alaa’s unlawful incarceration.
    Margaret Busby June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • Schools across Ethiopia teach in fifty-one different languages, and students learn in at least two different languages during the course of their school years.
    Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike compensation packages that competitors can readily replicate, values alignment creates a distinctive organizational signature that strongly resists imitation—genuine congruence between how leaders navigate complex decisions and how your organization operates daily.
    Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • There is very little on the menu that’s distinctive.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the divergence between the two is fair, its explanation lies elsewhere: Investor valuations and retail prices differ because they are driven by distinct fundamentals and considerations.
    Thibault Adrien, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Regardless of how the Fendi role shakes up, Chavarria is leaving a distinct mark on the global fashion industry.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Al Hilal played with a very diverse roster as only three of its starters are from Saudi Arabia.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
  • His team supports both Ecolab’s 48,000 employees and a diverse global customer base, bringing together IT, digital product development and supply chain modernization under one strategic roof.
    Peter High, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

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