divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt How to pronounce divergent (audio)
dī-
Synonyms of divergentnext
1
a
: moving or extending in different directions from a common point : diverging from each other
divergent paths
see also divergent evolution
b
: differing from each other or from a standard
the divergent interests of capital and labor
2
mathematics : relating to or being an infinite (see infinite entry 1 sense 4c) sequence that does not have a limit or an infinite series whose partial sums do not have a limit
3
physics : causing rays (see ray entry 2 sense 1b) to draw apart from a common center : causing divergence of rays
a divergent lens
divergently adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for divergent

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.

different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples of divergent in a Sentence

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.
Studies even suggest cannabis can enhance creative thinking by stimulating divergent thought processes (Cannabis and Creativity Study, 2015). — Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Copper miners are likely to see divergent outcomes as U.S. tariffs on the metal loom — raising the potential for a domestic supply crunch while also driving up the U.S. copper price premium over the London Metal Exchange. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025 Image That likely split screen — Mr. Trump returning to the world’s most powerful job while Mr. Bolsonaro stays home on court orders — will encapsulate the two political doppelgängers’ starkly divergent paths since they were voted out of office and then claimed fraud. — Jack Nicas, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 The upcoming election will determine the direction of future economic policies, with contenders offering divergent views on how to restore the country's competitive edge and stimulate growth. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dīvergent-, dīvergens, present participle of dīvergere "to proceed in different directions, diverge"

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of divergent was in 1696

Phrases Containing divergent

Rhymes for divergent

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Browse Nearby Words

divergent
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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergent. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

divergent

adjective
di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt How to pronounce divergent (audio)
dī-
: diverging from each other
divergently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for divergent

Nglish: Translation of divergent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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