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 Its strength lies in its ability to hold divergent perspectives and to give visibility to a plurality of voices. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026 In a city of big, flashy restaurant openings and even bigger restaurant groups, two of Dallas’ youngest — and busiest — restaurateurs have taken a divergent approach. Claire Ballor staff Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026 In theory, the simplified asset structure could open the door to a minority stake sale, control transaction or take-private deal for either franchise, especially for investors who have divergent views about the future of each league. Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026 City and county at odds The city of Sacramento and Sacramento County’s divergent views on SHRA comes as recent actions have pitted both agencies against one another. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • He's accused of placing cameras in the restrooms of three other parks, with at least 12 different victims.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The first phase of the project includes full replacement of Gampel’s distinctive, but often troublesome roof, made of metal-clad, insulated triangular panels.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The poster for Norwood Park features the distinctive, colorful exterior of the Superdawg drive-in hot dog stand.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mechanical kinks function as boundaries between two distinct internal states within the same material.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026
  • This distinct piece was created by engineer Kirk Jellum as an anniversary gift for his wife.
    Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Allegheny County said South Park intentionally keeps its herd small, and sometimes individual bison are traded with zoos and wildlife preserves to keep the herd genetics healthy and diverse.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • News of Coogler’s take on the beloved sci-fi procedural first emerged in 2023, when Carter revealed that Coogler had contacted him about rebooting the series with a diverse cast.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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