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 These divergent paths have fueled advocates for competing offense-first or go-on-D philosophies. David K. Li, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025 Understanding these divergent perspectives is essential for building workplaces that can both attract and retain talent across the gender spectrum. Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 None of this is to say Eternity needed to be another Past Lives, telling the story of a woman forced to confront the divergent paths of life with two possible romantic partners in as aching a tone as possible. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025 And in the 1990s, the nation’s medical experts, realizing the costs of divergent advice, aligned their recommendations with the CDC’s too. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • The research team also revealed that the robots can change their shape and gait to adapt to different terrains or to perform a variety of functions, such as gripping and lifting objects.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • High operating temperatures and distinctive characteristics set LF-MSRs apart from conventional solid-fuel reactors.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Across mediums and genres, our studio has fused art, craft and technology in service of bold, distinctive and enduring stories.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the vacation rentals below, uncover all that is distinct and dreamy in Scotland, from coastal cottages to Georgian manor homes.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The fake tundra surrounding the cast definitely had a distinct odor to it.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Travelers seeking cultural heritage are rewarded, too, with highlights including an 18th-century glassblowing factory, diverse architecture and a house museum dedicated to the artist and former resident Joan Miró.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Now with a diverse range of categories including denim, intimates, clothing, jeans, active and swim, AirEssentials, shapewear and more, Spanx continues to use bonding in different ways including to add another layer of fabric to certain areas of a garment without using stitching.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

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