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
Conflicting signals have set up a week in which investors are forced to position for starkly divergent outcomes.
—
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026
According to a report on compliance planning for 2026, organizations across industries are reassessing operating models to better manage divergent regulations while integrating technology to improve efficiency and oversight.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Microsoft and OpenAI’s divergent finances showcased a growing chasm in the fortunes of Big Tech’s AI giants.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The third is divergent thinking — the uniquely human capacity to generate multiple solutions rather than converge on one.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divergent
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Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026
According to a report on compliance planning for 2026, organizations across industries are reassessing operating models to better manage divergent regulations while integrating technology to improve efficiency and oversight.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Microsoft and OpenAI’s divergent finances showcased a growing chasm in the fortunes of Big Tech’s AI giants.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The third is divergent thinking — the uniquely human capacity to generate multiple solutions rather than converge on one.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 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 8 Apr. 2026.
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