DIVERGE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'diverge' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of diverge are depart , deviate , digress , swerve , and veer . While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions. // after school their paths diverged

Q: When is 'depart' a more appropriate choice than 'diverge'?

The words depart and diverge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type. // occasionally departs from his own guidelines

Q: In what contexts can 'deviate' take the place of 'diverge'?

Although the words deviate and diverge have much in common, deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course. // never deviated from her daily routine

Q: When can 'digress' be used instead of 'diverge'?

In some situations, the words digress and diverge are roughly equivalent. However, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse. // a professor prone to digress

Q: Where would 'swerve' be a reasonable alternative to 'diverge'?

The words swerve and diverge can be used in similar contexts, but swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness. // swerved to avoid hitting the dog

Q: When could 'veer' be used to replace 'diverge'?

The synonyms veer and diverge are sometimes interchangeable, but veer implies a major change in direction. // at that point the path veers to the right

diverge

verb

də-ˈvərj

Definition of diverge next

as in to deviate

to change one's course or direction the deer abruptly diverged from its intended path the moment it spied the waiting lynx

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to separate

to go or move in different directions from a central point at that point the road and the railroad tracks diverge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb diverge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of diverge are depart, deviate, digress, swerve, and veer. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When is depart a more appropriate choice than diverge?

The words depart and diverge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

In what contexts can deviate take the place of diverge?

Although the words deviate and diverge have much in common, deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

When can digress be used instead of diverge?

In some situations, the words digress and diverge are roughly equivalent. However, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

Where would swerve be a reasonable alternative to diverge?

The words swerve and diverge can be used in similar contexts, but swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

When could veer be used to replace diverge?

The synonyms veer and diverge are sometimes interchangeable, but veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of diverge The essay shares the influence and inspiration that Black home cooks gleaned from Mexican neighbors and local taquerias (in particular the ‘gringo’ taco), as well as how their recipes diverge from the typical preparations. —

Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024 But other companies have struggled to achieve such gains in practice, often because the priorities of companies working together often shift and diverge. —

Neal E. Boudette, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Although China produces a significant number of AI graduates, competition with global tech hubs and a diverging geopolitical reality, can deter talent from staying or returning to China. —

Mark Greeven, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Shanghai, Shenzhen, and the STAR Board diverged +0.62%, +0.58%, and +1.47%, respectively, on volume down -9.89% from yesterday, which is 133% of the 1-year average. —

Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diverge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverge

Verb

Nordstrom isn’t expected to deviate too much from its existing strategy of driving in-store sales and the expansion of Nordstrom Rack — and beauty remains a bright spot.

— James Manso, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
Eggers doesn’t deviate too far from the plot of the 1922 film, but introduces the idea that Ellen had a role in summoning the creature from beyond the grave, and amplifies the psychic connection between the two.

— Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024