divergent

Definition of divergentnext

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 Amid speculation that Fetterman may abandon Democrats, Schumer this week urged his colleague to remain in the party, arguing that there is room for widely divergent political views in the Senate caucus. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026 So somebody with my background who’s actually worked through these problems and brought people together — like very divergent interest groups together, like the tribes, like environmental groups and loggers. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026 Gundlach said the divergent moves across the Treasury curve following the announcement showed investors' skepticism that the Fed will ultimately follow through. Yun Li, CNBC, 29 July 2026 That still leaves room for hugely divergent views on how the poems came into being. Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • For those familiar with the book or movie, the musical brings a different experience to the familiar story.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • A lot of the issues revolved around who exactly represented Diomandé at different times of his career, with legal cases slowing down proceedings.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These colleagues have a distinctive feel for news in their hometown.
    Scott Lebar, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Or even last summer when their response to the magic of Bilbao was to become Best Practice FC again, and hope that Thomas Frank could replicate the distinctive culture of Brentford in N17.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But thanks to Chris Mundy’s Lanterns, that initial promise of empowering creatives to bring their own distinct voices to the DCU has now been realized beyond dispute.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Both West Coast indie presses are forging distinct, commercially viable paths outside the traditional New York publishing bubble.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Johnson County, with Iowa City and its teeming suburbs, and Scott County's economically diverse cities of Davenport and Bettendorf help make the district among the most competitive in the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • While some may argue our city should reach higher, the entertainment offered by minor-league baseball would serve a more diverse community; see, for example, the Orlando Solar Bears minor-league hockey team.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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