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 To further reduce distortions arising from divergent reporting practices and regulations, output measures were evaluated relative to institutional inputs or to country averages. Time Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026 This comes as the United States and China pursue divergent paths for their auto industries and their citizens. Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 In our fractious political climate, people sometimes think divergent expert opinions mean that consensus does not exist, or no experts can be trusted. Micah Altman, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026 All are meant to be mixed, matched, and shared—and somehow, the divergent cuisines work together beautifully. Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom has left a lot of people scrambling in different ways.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Woodblock plans to work with leading animation studios from around the world to animate episodes that feature creatures from different countries and regions.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Occasionally the most lighthearted of the three divisions, Animated Shorts, as expected, also has the most distinctive visuals.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • These elements come together in a sophisticated set of over-ears with distinctive design elements including vintage-style grills, and a window on the ear cup to showcase the tube preamp within.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • New research shows that people with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome compared to individuals at a healthy weight.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Here are 10 facts that make Presidents’ Day a distinct, and often misunderstood, national holiday.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The new installment promises challenges across diverse locations, from navigating the Angolan desert in track vehicles to immersing in Malaysia’s automotive scene and testing American performance cars in California.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Everyone, for different reasons, will be watching to see if this experiment in democratic socialist governance in a city as diverse and unwieldy as New York City will succeed or fail.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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