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

The bullish divergence from 2021-2023 predating the trend change.

— Jay Woods, CNBC, 16 July 2026
There is a reason the divergence persists rather than resolving.

— Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of divergence

Noun

In addition to the discrepancy between the two ad loads, the Fox and Telemundo measurements are at odds, as the English-language figures include pre-match coverage, while Telemundo’s reports are match-only averages.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 July 2026
This discrepancy between wish fulfilment and truth-seeking is simple enough to grasp when there’s a binary question, such as whether Odysseus is alive or dead.

— Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026

Definition of discrepancy

Noun

But according to Twain, Langley’s success also underscores the gender disparity in country music.

— Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
In an executive order last year, the White House directed the Education Department to issue new school discipline guidance, and called for a review of organizations that had promoted policies to address disparities in discipline.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 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

Argentina, by contrast, have twice required extra time to progress and their other two knockout games involved comeback wins with last-minute goals.

— Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026
The newer furnishings and material components are colorful, bold, and rich in contrasts.

— Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026

Definition of contrast

Noun

And the difference between a new EV and a gas car is $6,680, not including any incentives.

— Liz Knueven,Ryley Amond, CNBC, 24 July 2026
At first, these data would be cryptic—who besides the biggest air-pollution nerd would know the difference between 35 μg/m3 of particulate matter (yellow-level risk, per the AQI) and 60 μg/m3 (red-level risk)?

— Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Definition of difference

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“Deviance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviance. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviance

noun

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