divergence

noun

di·​ver·​gence də-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce divergence (audio)
dī-
Synonyms of divergencenext
1
a
: a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)
b
: difference, disagreement
c
evolutionary biology : the development of dissimilar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in closely related populations, species, or lineages of common ancestry that typically occupy dissimilar environments or ecological niches : divergent evolution
2
: a deviation from a course or standard
3
: the condition of being mathematically divergent

Synonyms

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Examples of divergence in a Sentence

a growing divergence of opinion about that U.S. president's place in history any divergence from the community's strict moral code was met with social ostracism
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The trend marks a sharp divergence from the United States, where schools have virtually universally rebuffed students’ demands to sever ties with Israeli institutions, citing principles of academic freedom. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 But again, the predictive power is in the turning points with non-confirmations, also called divergences. — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025 The above graph shows the divergence in distributions of the number of March Madness bids per year by conference. — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Perhaps Arteta’s appreciation of how Chelsea keep the ball and the balance of their team captures the divergence in tastes between coaches at the elite level and those watching for a spectacle. — Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dīvergentia, noun derivative of Latin dīvergent-, dīvergens divergent

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of divergence was in 1656

Rhymes for divergence

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divergence
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Cite this Entry

“Divergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergence. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

divergence

noun
di·​ver·​gence də-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce divergence (audio)
dī-
: the state of diverging : a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)

Medical Definition

divergence

noun
di·​ver·​gence də-ˈvər-jən(t)s, dī- How to pronounce divergence (audio)
1
a
: a drawing apart
b
: the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms under the influence of unlike environments
2
: dissemination of the effect of activity of a single nerve cell through multiple synaptic connections compare convergence sense 4
diverge
-ˈvərj How to pronounce divergence (audio)
verb
diverged; diverging
divergent
-ˈvər-jənt How to pronounce divergence (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on divergence

Nglish: Translation of divergence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about divergence

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