Simple Definition of deviate

from our Learner's Dictionary

deviate

verb

deviates; deviated; deviating
: to do something that is different or to be different from what is usual or expected
usually + from
He almost never deviates from his usual routine.
The investigation showed that the airplane had deviated [=strayed] from its scheduled route.
This pattern of behavior deviates slightly from the norm.

Cite this Entry

“Deviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/deviate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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