DEVIATES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

deviates 1 of 2

noun

plural of deviate

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

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saints

deviates

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of deviate

as in turns

to change one's course or direction sailors forced to deviate from their course in order to avoid the storm

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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 deviates

Verb

The Netflix series gently deviates from the source material at times, including swapping the book’s Lord Caterham for Lady Caterham, played by Helena Bonham Carter. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Her position deviates from her religion as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which publicly opposes the ballot measure. — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026 But just like in the series’ preceding season, The Ed Gein Story, this one deviates from its titular character to pad itself out. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 The actual number of prime numbers deviates from the prediction. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026 Price upon request Louis Vuitton Pharrell’s autumn outing features several eye-catching knits, including this volcanic take on a Nordic yoke sweater, which deviates from more-traditional styles with an irregular, almost pixilated gradient pattern. — Jon Roth, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026 Walsh’s spaceship deviates from many of the vessels seen in Star Wars, as those ships are often dirty and grubby to emphasize their use and wear. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 And the days are coming when AI is meaningfully involved in clinical care, beyond just transcribing our own words, and the follow-up recommendation deviates from the standard of care. — Frances Mei Hardin, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026 After establishing a baseline over seven nights, the watch will notify you if any stat deviates from the norm, which could be a warning sign of a potential illness. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviates

Noun

This blatant fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
This blatant expression of fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of perverts

Noun

All the characters in ‘The Pineapple’ are degenerates, and this show invites you to become one as well.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
The product exploded, generating trillions and minting a new class of crypto degenerates who were willing to take massive risks that, occasionally, resulted in millions.

— Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026

Definition of degenerates

Verb

Given the enormous energy packed away in Category 5 hurricanes, this could mean a prolonged cooler and drier period early next week, or the complete opposite if Polo veers too far east.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Steeped in a deep value investment philosophy that often veers toward the contrarian, the tough housing environment could provide rich targets for Berkshire, which sat on a war chest of some $367 billion at the end of June.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of veers

Verb

Elizondo’s wide-ranging production discography, which swings from hip-hop to country, rock and R&B, attracted Greta Van Fleet.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026
When the Spider swings past a silverish-gray newsstand filled with copies of the Daily Bugle, the frame becomes black-and-white, even in the color version.

— Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of swings

Verb

And blondes will find a path that diverges—wintery vanilla for an aloof, icy look or buttery almond for a cozy blonde that still turns heads.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Oct. 2026
Where Ayaneo’s remake really diverges from the original is with eight additional buttons including X and Y action buttons plus four extra shoulder buttons on the top edge.

— Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of diverges

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“Deviates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviates. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviates

noun

verb

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