diverge
verb
di·verge də-ˈvərj 
dī-
diverged; diverging
intransitive verb
1
a
: to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart
diverging roads
b
: to become or be different in character or form
The friends' lives diverged after graduation.
: differ in opinion This is where our views diverge.
2
: to turn aside from a path or course : deviate
diverge from a direct path
3
mathematics : to be divergent (see divergent sense 2)
transitive verb
: deflect
diverge a compass needle
Synonyms
- detour
- deviate
- sheer
- swerve
- swing
- turn
- turn off
- veer
- wheel
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
A prism causes rays of light to diverge. They were close friends in college, but after graduation, their lives diverged.
Recent Examples on the Web On the brink of adolescence, Ian’s and Roland’s paths diverge. 
Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2022 Reports diverge on whether Rice’s firing was expected or not. Sophie Mellor, Fortune, 10 June 2022 However, the two women diverge in their approach to family life — likely a reflection of their generational differences and backgrounds. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2022 Other elements, however, diverge from the museum experience. Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 July 2022 But in an old city (think Rome or Paris), things diverge. Liran Tancman, Forbes, 12 July 2022 But some of her past comments could diverge from its orthodoxy. Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 16 May 2022 But Democrats and Republicans do diverge on ways to address the issue. Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2022 At times, some viewers note, alternate endings to films diverge far from the original. Reuters, NBC News, 23 Aug. 2022 See More
Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2022 Reports diverge on whether Rice’s firing was expected or not. Sophie Mellor, Fortune, 10 June 2022 However, the two women diverge in their approach to family life — likely a reflection of their generational differences and backgrounds. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2022 Other elements, however, diverge from the museum experience. Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 July 2022 But in an old city (think Rome or Paris), things diverge. Liran Tancman, Forbes, 12 July 2022 But some of her past comments could diverge from its orthodoxy. Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 16 May 2022 But Democrats and Republicans do diverge on ways to address the issue. Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2022 At times, some viewers note, alternate endings to films diverge far from the original. Reuters, NBC News, 23 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Latin dīvergere "to proceed in different directions," from dī-, variant before voiced sounds of dis- dis- + vergere "to move downward, slope downward, sink" — more at verge entry 3
Note: The verb dīvergere, attested once in classical Latin, is rare before later medieval and modern Latin, where it appears in scientific and mathematical texts, often as an antonym of convergere "to converge."
First Known Use
1665, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
diverges
verb
1
as in deviates
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
- deviates
- turns
- veers
- swings
- detours
- swerves
- turns off
- wheels
- sheers
- zigzags
- tacks
- turns back
- doubles (back)
2
as in separates
to go or move in different directions from a central point at that point the road and the railroad tracks diverge Synonyms & Similar Words
- separates
- divides
- parts
- forks
- retreats
- scatters
- spreads
- disperses
- dissipates
- recedes
- distributes
- disbands
- dispels
- distances
- branches (out)
- broadcasts
- bestrews
- clears out
- sows
- breaks up
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- converges
- joins
- meets
- gathers
- assembles