DEVIANCE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

deviance

noun

Definition of deviance

as in divergence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deviance Yet during the axman’s reign in the early 1900s, a Black woman’s confession to murder was interpreted through the lens of religious deviance rather than diversity. — Lauren Nicole Henley, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2026 One real danger here is the normalization of deviance — when small ethical compromises become routine, paving the way for larger issues down the line. — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 Many immigrant communities either ignore mental health challenges or see symptoms as evidence of spiritual deviance. — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025 Jeffrey’s confrontation of the deeply disturbing underbelly of his seemingly quintessential hometown, with its idyllic exterior glorifying the American Dream, mirrors the tension between repression and indulgence, normalcy and deviance. — Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deviance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviance

Noun

More capacity in a misaligned organization accelerates divergence, and aligned sponsors watching an overloaded team still get a stall.

— Leslie Ellis, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Both the moving average convergence divergence and relative strength index, known respectively as MACD and RSI, continue to trend higher.

— Jay Woods, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of divergence

Noun

Rajesh Exports denied these allegations of wrongdoing and said the discrepancies pointed out by SEBI misinterpret their consolidated global revenue and basic value additions.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Borrowers should verify their loan status to catch discrepancies.

— Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of discrepancy

Noun

While Musk’s wealth, even in the face of recent losses, is extreme, dramatic disparities have become commonplace.

— Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Experts suggest this disparity stems from how valuations are established, including underreported surgical times in gynecology.

— Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of disparity

Noun

In fact, the German scholar Winfried Fluck, in a study of the Americanization of global culture, credited Americans’ dissimilarities with the dominance of its popular culture.

— Lily Rothman, Time, 23 Apr. 2026
Their results support the hypothesis that limiting trait similarity allows the establishment of non-native parakeets at the local scale by reducing competition with native species due to trait dissimilarity.

— GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of dissimilarity

Noun

The Caribbean is a region almost purpose-built for cruising—closely set islands that offer immense diversity in culture and history, each with their own siren lure.

— Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
English and Swahili are widely used in worship, alongside numerous indigenous languages, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the church’s membership.

— Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of diversity

Noun

By contrast, collectivist societies focus more on social harmony and prioritise the group over individual goals, with decisions made based on what is best for the wider community.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
By contrast, the defense will point to the parts of the book that are provably false, in an attempt to discredit it, explained David Roger, the former Clark County, Nevada, district attorney.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of contrast

Noun

Previous studies also have found differences between passive sedentary behaviors, such as television watching, and more mentally active ones, including solving puzzles and being mentally engaged during work.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Earlier this week, former GOP Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, endorsed Ossoff saying despite their policy differences, Flake applauds Ossoff's character and his commitment to doing the job.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of difference

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“Deviance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviance. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviance

noun

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