The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DIVERGES
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More clues leading to the result DIVERGES
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Differs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case differs = diverges.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DIVERGES mean?
DIVERGES verb- (of lines or paths) To run apart; to separate; to tend into different directions.
- (of interests, opinions, or anything else) To become different; to run apart; to separate; to tend into different directions.
- (of a line or path) To separate, to tend into a different direction (from another line or path).
- (of an interest, opinion, or anything else) To become different, to separate (from another line or path).
- (of a sequence, series, or function) Not to converge: to have no limit, or no finite limit.