diverge

verb

də-ˈvərj How to pronounce diverge (audio)
Definition of divergenext
Enter your own sentence containing diverge , and get words to replace it.
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1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction the deer abruptly diverged from its intended path the moment it spied the waiting lynx

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point at that point the road and the railroad tracks diverge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb diverge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of diverge are depart, deviate, digress, swerve, and veer. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When is depart a more appropriate choice than diverge?

The words depart and diverge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

In what contexts can deviate take the place of diverge?

Although the words deviate and diverge have much in common, deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

When can digress be used instead of diverge?

In some situations, the words digress and diverge are roughly equivalent. However, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

Where would swerve be a reasonable alternative to diverge?

The words swerve and diverge can be used in similar contexts, but swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

When could veer be used to replace diverge?

The synonyms veer and diverge are sometimes interchangeable, but veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

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 diverge The reimagining, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, retains the essence of what made the 1937 animation a cultural touchstone but also sprinkles a smidge of fairy dust to revitalize the familiar story for a new generation — all without diverging too far from the original. — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 The Hang Seng and Hang Seng Tech indexes diverged to close +0.77% and -0.14%, respectively, on volume that decreased -15.76% from Friday, which is 152% of the 1-year average. — Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Everyone knows that club and international football have diverged over the last generation, that the international game tends to be slower, more cautious and more conservative. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 Although their approaches diverged, both were central figures in the 1960s Pop Art movement. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diverge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverge
  1. deviate
  2. separate
  3. turn
  4. divide
  5. part
  6. spread
  7. fork
  8. retreat
Verb
  • The show deviates from the real Melissa and Keith and goes into entirely fictional territory, introducing another possible victim.
    — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
  • There’s always a chance for a surprise cameo that deviates from the source material, but Choi Hyun-wook is not currently listed as a Season 2 cast member.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • In the video game, as with the series, a five-year gap separates the two narrative installments, with main character Ellie jumping from 14 years old to 19 and putting on a good deal of muscle and height between that time.
    — Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The sleeping space is separated from the living room and kitchen by an arched wall, making this a good option for couples who don’t fear an open plan.
    — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of separate
Verb
  • An elegant ode to functionality, the studio installed a curtain rail around a daybed, allowing the space to be turned into an impromptu extra guest room.
    — María Noval-Quílez, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The pair was involved in a heated altercation that reportedly turned physical before paramedics arrived on the scene, according to TMZ.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of turn
Verb
  • The new retrospective is divided into seven chapters that showcase different thematic or formal aspects of Abercrombie’s career, including the miniatures and still lifes that are often overlooked.
    — Jeremy Lybarger, ARTnews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • What stood out the most about these containers is its tri-compartment feature that inherently divides it up into a bento-box style container—clearly ideal for including three different foods for meal prepping.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of divide
Verb
  • That's when glorious God gave Moses the power to part the water by raising his arm.
    — Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Jeffrey respected her wishes and the two parted for a summer.
    — Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of part
Verb
  • Kennedy is a longtime anti-vaccine advocate who is now using his position as the top US health official to spread misinformation and doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads throughout the upper body, often affecting the face, chest, and neck.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of spread
Verb
  • Factors that could influence Modrić’s future Real Madrid are not expected to fork out and invest in a new midfield star this summer, with transfer talk primarily focusing on defenders like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.
    — Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • If Enos Stanley Kroenke wants to fork over $7 million a year for rehab, Landy’s more than earned it.
    — Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of fork
Verb
  • Financial markets have retreated this year amid mounting concerns that the Trump administration's economic policies could jar spending by American consumers and businesses, hurting economic growth.
    — Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Pelicans add another dimension to the scene on these deep lakes, formed roughly 12,000 years ago after the glaciers retreated allowing meltwater to form Channel Lake, Lake Marie, Loon Lake and others in northern Illinois.
    — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of retreat

Browse Nearby Words

dive (into)
diverge
diverged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diverge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverge. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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