as in perverts
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard
a sleazy bar that seemed to be an informal clubhouse for deviates
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 deviates
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
The Uncut Gems star's ensemble deviates from his signature style, which typically includes oversize T-shirts, hoodies and shorts, as well as stylish sneakers.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Act’s control over owners and clubs also deviates substantially from American practices and is chilling to investment.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
There’s always a chance for a surprise cameo that deviates from the source material, but Choi Hyun-wook is not currently listed as a Season 2 cast member.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Any policy that deviates from the central government’s could be seen as politically disloyal.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
If the system deviates from norms—perhaps because data quality has changed—the team investigates at once.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Nickel Boys also deviates from traditional filmic language through the interstitial placement of archival footage.
—Hilton Dresden, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2025
Admittedly, this column deviates a bit from Improving Investor Behavior, our typical personal finance topic.
—Steve Booren, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
Even in states whose policy deviates from the CDC, each pharmacy can set its own boundaries on who can be vaccinated, and individual pharmacists may fear liability for vaccinating pregnant customers, Groves said.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
The Uncut Gems star's ensemble deviates from his signature style, which typically includes oversize T-shirts, hoodies and shorts, as well as stylish sneakers.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Act’s control over owners and clubs also deviates substantially from American practices and is chilling to investment.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
There’s always a chance for a surprise cameo that deviates from the source material, but Choi Hyun-wook is not currently listed as a Season 2 cast member.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Any policy that deviates from the central government’s could be seen as politically disloyal.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
If the system deviates from norms—perhaps because data quality has changed—the team investigates at once.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Nickel Boys also deviates from traditional filmic language through the interstitial placement of archival footage.
—Hilton Dresden, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2025
Admittedly, this column deviates a bit from Improving Investor Behavior, our typical personal finance topic.
—Steve Booren, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviates
Verb
-
Penn State’s season turns into a nightmare This is an unfathomable result for the Nittany Lions, who just eight days ago were considered national championship contenders.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Pine straw turns brown fairly quickly.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While the series veers more toward the action side of things, stealth is also incredibly important.—
George Yang,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Because that pendulum swings the other way, too.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Libra season swings you back and forth, packing your schedule.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Powell’s cautious stance diverges from that of several colleagues on the Fed’s rate-setting committee.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The company says its results are based on strict benchmarking and a unique system design that diverges from much of the industry.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deviates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviates. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share