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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With the latest decreases in cotton prices, a divergence has emerged with the oil market. — Sj Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 This requires, though, that the majority of stocks are not outright declining and that the divergences aren't accompanied by signs of acute macro stress and tighter financial conditions. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 This divergence reflects both short-term irregularities in how fast Earth rotates, and a very gradual, long-term slowdown of Earth’s rotation, caused primarily by the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Altman’s distinction marks another divergence between OpenAI and Anthropic, who until recently had appeared broadly aligned in calling for stronger regulation of advanced AI. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 5 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 20 Oct. 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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