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 In this simplistic binary, the future of humanity can only follow two starkly divergent paths: one notionally leading to nearly limitless prosperity on Earth and beyond, the other leading nowhere besides the collapse of our global civilization and ultimately human extinction. Rebecca Charbonneau, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2025 Their divergent paths reveal disparate but intertwined legacies. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 To meet this future head-on, organizations must strengthen divergent thinking, collaboration and social agility. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The United States’ recent foreign policy missteps and the perception of double standards in its divergent responses to the wars and human suffering in Ukraine and Gaza have damaged the country’s reputation. Roger W. Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for divergent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
Adjective
  • For another, the two telescopes’ image resolutions are very different.
    Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025
  • This is drastically different from other sports leagues, such as Major League Baseball, where sponsorship contributes a smaller portion of total revenue.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Morello mixed in brief passages of his own distinctive sound, but the overall effect remained tied to an older tradition.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • For one thing, Ross created conditions for distinctive voices to be heard.
    Christopher B. Daly, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The current agreement is set up to progress in three distinct phases, the first of which is already halfway through.
    Lauren Kent, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • With her appointment, Smith brings not just expertise but also a distinct vision.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For the Gladney family, the Chaska community has always been a close-knot, quiet, safe and diverse community, with grocery stores, libraries and a hospital all near by.
    Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Many in Ballinger’s hospital — which serves a high immigrant population in one of the most diverse regions in the U.S. — have worried about threats of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near divergent

Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divergent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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