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
Examples of divergent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The third is divergent thinking — the uniquely human capacity to generate multiple solutions rather than converge on one.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The fractured nature of California’s Democratic primary suggests that multiple candidates and their supporters hold divergent views on the best path forward, with no consensus candidate emerging even after a state party convention endorsement vote.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Over the last 40 years, their lives and careers all took divergent paths marked by innovation, acclaim, and infamy.
—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Pluralism is the container that holds together people of diverse identities and divergent ideologies.
—Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divergent
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Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The fractured nature of California’s Democratic primary suggests that multiple candidates and their supporters hold divergent views on the best path forward, with no consensus candidate emerging even after a state party convention endorsement vote.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Over the last 40 years, their lives and careers all took divergent paths marked by innovation, acclaim, and infamy.
—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Pluralism is the container that holds together people of diverse identities and divergent ideologies.
—Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divergent
Cite this Entry
“Divergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergent. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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