General divergence:
* Difference: This is the most general synonym, simply indicating a state of being different.
* Disparity: This implies a significant difference, often in quality or quantity.
* Variation: This emphasizes the existence of multiple forms or aspects, often within a single group.
Divergence in direction or path:
* Deviation: This suggests a departure from an expected or intended course.
* Branching: This implies a splitting into multiple paths or directions.
* Splitting: This is similar to branching, but can also be used in a more literal sense, like a physical split.
Divergence in opinion or thought:
* Disagreement: This is the most basic term for conflicting opinions.
* Dissonance: This implies a lack of harmony or consistency in thoughts or beliefs.
* Conflict: This suggests a stronger form of disagreement, potentially leading to tension or opposition.
Divergence in evolution:
* Evolutionary divergence: This refers to the process of species evolving in different directions, leading to greater differences over time.
* Speciation: This specifically refers to the process of one species splitting into two or more distinct species.
It's important to consider the specific context of the sentence when choosing the best synonym for "divergence." For example, "There was a divergence in the opinions of the two experts" would be better expressed as "There was a disagreement in the opinions of the two experts."