divergence

noun

də-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce divergence (audio)
Definition of divergencenext
1
as in divergency
a movement in different directions away from a common point a growing divergence of opinion about that U.S. president's place in history

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard any divergence from the community's strict moral code was met with social ostracism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 divergence One randomized trial comparing high-dose oral D3 with narrow-band UVB found no difference in lipid profiles but clear divergence in immune-pathway signaling. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The relative line made lower lows into the middle of 2025, while the 14-month RSI made higher lows, creating a positive momentum divergence. — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 At some point, though, the divergence between valuations and economic fundamentals becomes increasingly hard to ignore. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 But the dramatic divergence of the new measurement from the detector’s own past results, along with the collaboration’s claim of high precision, made the situation hard to ignore. — Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divergence
  1. difference
  2. deviation
  3. diversity
  4. departure
Noun
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There is a difference in the cases of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, in that the former has been far more involved in some monumental moments.
    — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • To be clear, the success of a good adaptation isn’t necessarily its faithfulness to the source material, but major deviations from the book are far from the only problems here.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Chocolate Chipless Cookies, for instance, was locked from the start, and any deviation from that title was not an option.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of deviation
Noun
  • The huge diversity in artistic opportunity is clearly visible in the finalists for 2026’s Ocean Photographer of the Year award.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In the fall of 2025, the ranking and review site released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • The 21-year-old midfielder has loan interest from EFL clubs, but his departure is contingent on potential incomings.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The luxury pods — complete with lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors — could be entirely off-limits when departure day rolls around, sitting completely empty at 35,000 feet.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of departure

Browse Nearby Words

diverged
divergence
divergences
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Cite this Entry

“Divergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divergence. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on divergence

Nglish: Translation of divergence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about divergence

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