DEVIANTS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

deviants

noun

plural of deviant

as in bohemians

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

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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 deviants Cool people aren't merely deviants. — Caleb Warren, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviants

Noun

Willie Roberts is one of Kenya's great conservation mavericks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
For Jia, who has watched generations of Chinese talents develop in a variety of ways, his hope is for these Chinese mavericks playing in America to stay.

— Fred He, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of mavericks

Noun

The 2027 American Cinema Editors (ACE) Eddie Awards will, at least a little, be one for horror freaks.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2026
From digital networks to dance floor sanctuaries, the reimagining of reggaeton called ‘neoperreo’ — made by and for femmes and freaks — turns 10 this year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of freaks

Noun

Step inside, though, and you’re transported to a bucolic Britain of rolling hills and village greens, bumbling eccentrics and cute, clever farm animals.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
The professionalization worked, but at the expense of the site’s internal culture, Cooke argues, as generous eccentrics were displaced by neurotic lovers of rules.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of eccentrics

Noun

At least Guillén still speaks his mind on the Sox’s pre- and postgame shows, so maybe there’s hope for nonconformists after all.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
At the same time, the conception of Poe the writer seems to tap into a cultural affection for outsiders, nonconformists and underdogs who ultimately prove their worth.

— Scott Peeples, The Conversation, 19 Jan. 2023

Definition of nonconformists

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deviant

deviants

deviate

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“Deviants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviants. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviants

noun

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