as in abnormal
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal
some studies show that many violent criminals begin exhibiting deviant behavior in early childhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in maverick
a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs
branded as social deviants by a society that did not value self-expression
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deviant
Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024
The group was aware — perhaps even proud — of the deviant nature of their messaging.
—Hanna Krueger, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2023
Caleb Warren, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025
The lone wolf myth also suggests that extremists are abnormal deviants with anti-social personalities.
—Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deviant
Adjective
Maynard taught at various schools, including as an adjunct faculty member in Santa Clara University’s sociology department and as a lecturer at Sonoma State University specializing in criminal justice, cults and deviant behavior.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024
The group was aware — perhaps even proud — of the deviant nature of their messaging.
—Hanna Krueger, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2023
Noun
Cool people aren't merely deviants.
—Caleb Warren, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025
The lone wolf myth also suggests that extremists are abnormal deviants with anti-social personalities.
—Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deviant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviant
Adjective
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Her daughter's infatuation with the skeleton is not abnormal, according to Isabel.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to take thin slices of the brain after the person’s death and use a microscope to look for an abnormal accumulation of tau, a protein that stabilizes certain elements of the brain.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Most of our mavericks who fly that close to the sun never get to see that journey through.—
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
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Still, his detective instincts are ultimately reawakened, and his new department becomes a magnet for a crew of misfits and mavericks.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For thousands of years, men in power have been responsible for catastrophe after genocide after unnatural disaster.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
5 Nov. 2025
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Scrutinize fine details like hair, fur, or repetitive patterns that may appear unnatural, and inspect for illogical lighting, shadows, or odd background elements.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Appealing to consumers searching for a piece of history, the store has gained a following of visitors hunting for unique souvenirs, designers on inspiration trips and local eccentrics.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
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For Mimi Pond, the desire to do a book about the Mitford sisters – six larger-than-life British eccentrics (and one brother) who created a stir in both British and American culture – was obvious.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deviant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviant. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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