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
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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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The new guidance reflects the latest research showing that HPV tests, compared to Pap smears, can increase the detection of abnormal cells in the cervix that may lead to cancer.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Kickers often have an abnormal route to high-level football.—
Ren Clayton,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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United leaned towards Tuchel and De Zerbi — the latter considered a bit of a maverick but ultimately a top coach.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
1 Nov. 2025
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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
Adjective
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While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
31 Dec. 2025
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The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 Dec. 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 9 Jan. 2026.
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