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 In an economy shaped by volatility, rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer behavior, a budget is no longer optimal without multiple scenarios and periodically monitoring divergent outcomes. Daniah Robertson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Gray and Dianna Knockum, the woman who accused him of rape, each testified on a single day, providing wildly divergent versions of what happened on a Wednesday night six months earlier. Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2025 But, as the divergent paths of Boasberg and Bove suggest, the government may have already succeeded in prosecuting its political agenda. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025 Today’s stand-up comedy landscape, with its many divergent paths to success, lends itself much better to a simulation-gaming experience. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • The company also showed off the Max10 Ultra, a hybrid robot vacuum that can automatically swap between three different sets of mop heads based on the flooring type.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Plenty of thought clearly also went into creating the right ambience from the moment the team bus pulls up behind the West Stand judging by the different lighting and imagery used to shift the mood as the players pass through the bowels of the arena.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It is known to have a distinctive smell and a creamy, custardy texture.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Do a reverse image search of the pet's photo and search for a distinctive phrase in the description.
    Abreanna Blose, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.
    Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her 8-year-old son Auron has been studying the diverse plants that grow there and learning to pull up invasive species.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Film Festival with a robust lineup led by female filmmakers, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in international cinema through diverse storytelling approaches.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

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