divergent

adjective

Definition of divergentnext
as in different
differing from another or others The twins may look alike but they have divergent personalities.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The show is about two cousins with divergent life experience who reunite at the funeral of a family member. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 Horse racing is a fairly small world, and, between Del Mar and Santa Anita, McCarthy and Wellman ran into one another enough to become friendly, even as their careers wound forward in seemingly divergent directions. —Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Their divergent paths reveal disparate but intertwined legacies. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2025 Researchers have also found that listening to happy music can enhance divergent thinking, a key part of creativity. —Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divergent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergent
  1. different
  2. distinctive
  3. distinct
  4. diverse
Adjective
  • But Mbappe chose to distance himself from that debate and his opening season was different to Ronaldo’s.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Young, a British Columbia native who played for three different colleges and spent seven seasons in the minors before playing for the Doosan Bears in South Korea last season, hit his fourth career Major League homer and his first since September 2009 with the Chicago Cubs.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Now, Robbins is using his whip-smart humor and distinctive social media persona to address a very real problem: the diaper crisis.
    — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
  • Maldito’s distinctive take on femininity is applied to the boots, with a wavy bow adorning the shaft.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • There is a distinct difference between the two eras.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.
    — Ivan Shvaichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Her book, Perfect Day Chicago, which highlights the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods, was just published.
    — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • From the nightlife of Hartford to the quiet beaches of Madison and Old Lyme, Connecticut offers LGBTQ+ travelers diverse experiences in an accepting environment.
    — Joshua Alston, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of diverse

Browse Nearby Words

divergency
divergent
diverges
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Cite this Entry

“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergent. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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