divergence
noun
di·ver·gence
də-ˈvər-jən(t)s 
dī-
1
a
: a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)
b
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
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
There is a growing divergence between what is good for business and what is good for major wealth owners.
—
John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
But the cultural nuances in this case (along with potential health issues) make the championing of this particular divergence less than winning.
—Valerie Monroe, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
This divergence in strategy creates an interesting competitive dynamic in the industry.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The gecko’s unique features and genetic divergence from related species led to its classification as a new species.
—Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divergence
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John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
But the cultural nuances in this case (along with potential health issues) make the championing of this particular divergence less than winning.
—Valerie Monroe, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
This divergence in strategy creates an interesting competitive dynamic in the industry.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The gecko’s unique features and genetic divergence from related species led to its classification as a new species.
—Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divergence
Cite this Entry
“Divergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divergence. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
divergence
noun
di·ver·gence
də-ˈvər-jən(t)s
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-
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
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