divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt 

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

Those divergent truths point to the sober reality that the vast majority of people who have existed on this planet lived under some form of tyranny. —Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

At a gubernatorial debate this week, a half-dozen Democrats offered divergent views on the state's future — most of whom are within striking distance of each other in the polls — while two Republicans battled for space on the general election ballot. —Anne Bryson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

In 2019, the Board of Governors adopted a systemwide Statement of Free Expression affirming that universities have a critical role in fostering divergent ideas and robust debate. —Jason Jewell, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

Michael Lewis, an investor in media and technology, was living in Malibu with his wife, Dana Lord Lewis, and their young family when the mood struck for something wildly divergent from their daily life. —Camille Okhio, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing divergent

• divergent evolution

Rhymes for divergent

• convergent
• detergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent
• serjeant
• urgent

Kids Definition

divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt 

dī-

: diverging from each other

divergently adverb