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

This contrast helps explain the divergence between each man’s politics.

— Jim Rasenberger, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
The divergence shows investors are rewarding those making the key parts of the AI buildout, especially chips, and penalizing those paying for it.

— Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Definition of divergence

Noun

However, some customers noted that APMEX’s prices can be higher than those of other vendors, and there were sometimes issues with order cancellations or discrepancies in product descriptions.

— Jamela Adam, USA Today, 5 July 2026
There are some challenges in confirming the flag seen in the image from 1940 is indeed the same flag now in the historical society’s possession, including a discrepancy on the dimensions mentioned in the newspaper, Anselmo said.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of discrepancy

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

Separately, the news organization also argues that its hiring process is compliant with EEOC guidance, which encourages initiatives relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026
Casa Gangotena’s cocktail menu is also a celebration of Ecuador’s diversity, with drinks crafted around regionally significant flowers and local festivals.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Definition of diversity

Noun

The conditions are a stark contrast to the nation's bicentennial celebration in Washington in 1976, when the high temperature reached 84 degrees and the low dipped to 65 degrees, according to Department of Commerce data.

— Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Allen also recommends avoiding light grout lines at all costs to prevent a stark contrast.

— Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 4 July 2026

Definition of contrast

Noun

The biggest difference between prediction markets and traditional sports betting is how people put their money on an outcome.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
Then there are the surprising differences between models that share the same engine, like an 8V-generation Audi A3 and a Mk7-generation VW GTI.

— Peter Nelson, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

The 35-page document includes variations of branding and logo options, including some featuring a golden eagle.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 July 2026
José San Miguel, a movement instructor and studio manager at FlowCorps Durham, described reformer workouts as a spectrum with Pilates and Lagree as distinct points and many variations in between.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of variation

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“Deviance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviance. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviance

noun

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