Synonyms of divergent

divergent

adjective

as in different

differing from another or others

The twins may look alike but they have divergent personalities.

Related Words

• different
• distinctive
• distinct
• diverse
• unequal
• varied
• dissimilar
• disparate
• disproportionate
• various
• distinguishable
• other
• mixed
• several
• unlike
• distant
• contradictory
• nonidentical
• variant
• unalike
• miscellaneous
• sundry
• opposite
• antithetical
• differentiable
• polar
• diametric
• discriminable
• alternative
• divers
• individual
• contrary
• alternate
• particular
• single
• peculiar

Dissimilar Words

• similar
• same
• parallel
• identical
• like
• indistinguishable
• kindred
• equal
• kin
• alike
• equivalent
• related
• analogous
• comparable
• homologous
• tantamount
• homogeneous
• selfsame
• uniform
• homogenous
• akin
• homological

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

Recent Examples of divergent

All are meant to be mixed, matched, and shared—and somehow, the divergent cuisines work together beautifully. —Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2026

Biological laws tell us that certain divergent people will not mix or blend. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026

The character serves as Jax’s main supporter and confidant until they’re pushed apart by divergent ideologies. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026

And my ambivalence isn’t helped by the fact that Term Sheet readers—many of whom are investing in the technologies and startups that will shape tomorrow’s workplace—have divergent perspectives. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026