convergent

American  

[kuhn-vur-juhnt] / kənˈvɜr dʒənt /

adjective

1. characterized by convergence; tending to come together; merging.

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convergent British  

/ kənˈvɜːdʒənt /

adjective

1. (of two or more lines, paths, etc) moving towards or meeting at some common point

2. (of forces, ideas, etc) tending towards the same result; merging

3. maths (of an infinite series) having a finite limit

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Other Word Forms

• convergently adverb
• nonconvergent adjective
• unconvergent adjective

Etymology

Origin of convergent

First recorded in 1720–30, convergent is from the Late Latin word convergent- (stem of convergēns, present participle of convergere ). See converge, -ent

Example Sentences

It’s an example of convergent evolution, when completely unrelated species independently evolve comparable traits in response to similar environmental pressures.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

"The convergent evolution of crabs has happened about five times in history, but it's happened within the group of decapods."

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

This makes them striking examples of convergent evolution, where two evolutionarily distinct groups evolve similar characteristics due to similar environments and occupying similar niches.

From Salon • May 11, 2025

"Our research highlights a fascinating example of convergent evolution, where ferns and flowering plants independently developed similar strategies to defend themselves against predation by recruiting ant defenders with nectaries," said Suissa.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

When rocket propellant burned, it first produced a river of gas that flowed into the convergent section of the nozzle.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam