divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt How to pronounce divergent (audio)
dī-
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.
The movie is about divergent friends, played by Cera and Angarano, who take an impromptu bonding trip to California’s capital region from Los Angeles. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2025 Getty Images News | Getty Images 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 Challenge all the possibilities by removing your blinders, questioning assumptions, and seeking out divergent points of view. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Even the closest allies can have divergent interests. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergent. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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

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