divergence

noun

di·​ver·​gence də-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce divergence (audio)
dī-
Synonyms of divergence
1
a
: a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)
b
: difference, disagreement
c
evolutionary biology : the development of dissimilar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in closely related populations, species, or lineages of common ancestry that typically occupy dissimilar environments or ecological niches : divergent evolution
2
: a deviation from a course or standard
3
: the condition of being mathematically divergent

Synonyms of divergence

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Examples of divergence in a Sentence

a growing divergence of opinion about that U.S. president's place in history any divergence from the community's strict moral code was met with social ostracism
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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.
If consumer sentiment follows a similar path, that could explain the divergence between generally strong economic trends and weak consumer sentiment. — Erin Kay Lockwood, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026 Beauer Beauer mirrors that corner sofa to create a living area to the right of the entry, another divergence from the 3X Plus, which had a smaller rear-facing sofa. — New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026 The filing also noted the risks posed by copyright law, as well as the company’s priorities, including a section that calls out a divergence from OpenAI that may be relevant to Hollywood. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 Negative divergences alone don't necessarily lead to immediate declines. — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divergence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dīvergentia, noun derivative of Latin dīvergent-, dīvergens divergent

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of divergence was in 1656

Rhymes for divergence

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Browse Nearby Words

divergement
divergence
divergency
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Cite this Entry

“Divergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergence. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

divergence

noun
di·​ver·​gence də-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce divergence (audio)
dī-
: the state of diverging : a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)

Medical Definition

divergence

noun
di·​ver·​gence də-ˈvər-jən(t)s, dī- How to pronounce divergence (audio)
1
a
: a drawing apart
b
: the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms under the influence of unlike environments
2
: dissemination of the effect of activity of a single nerve cell through multiple synaptic connections compare convergence sense 4
diverge
-ˈvərj How to pronounce divergence (audio)
verb
diverged; diverging
divergent
-ˈvər-jənt How to pronounce divergence (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on divergence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about divergence

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