as in indirect
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in turning
to change one's course or direction
sailors forced to deviate from their course in order to avoid the storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 deviating
Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 17 Feb. 2026
Lynyrd Skynyrd, for example, has made big business out of their summer amphitheater tours over the years, while Foreigner is deviating from their usual arena-forward approach this spring to travel with a symphony orchestra.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
The show may change the happily ever afters of both leading ladies in Season 5 and Season 6, deviating from the Bridgerton books.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Not deviating from those standards is equally important.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The resolution would authorize the state to redraw its congressional district maps in the middle of the 10-year cycle, deviating from the current practice of redistricting only after the federal census every 10 years.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
Salomon has unveiled its latest super shoe, and in doing so, is deviating from the usual script on energy return.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
But Beijing and other critics see Japan as deviating from its postwar peace pledge, pointing to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement soon after taking office that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
And while that's true, the show is also its own beast, deviating greatly from King's story by weaving in military intrigue, spycraft, and Native American mythology.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
Verb
Dim Sum Night at Arcadia PC Arcadia is deviating from its usual menu to offer a special night of Dim Sum.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 17 Feb. 2026
Lynyrd Skynyrd, for example, has made big business out of their summer amphitheater tours over the years, while Foreigner is deviating from their usual arena-forward approach this spring to travel with a symphony orchestra.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
The show may change the happily ever afters of both leading ladies in Season 5 and Season 6, deviating from the Bridgerton books.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Not deviating from those standards is equally important.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The resolution would authorize the state to redraw its congressional district maps in the middle of the 10-year cycle, deviating from the current practice of redistricting only after the federal census every 10 years.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
Salomon has unveiled its latest super shoe, and in doing so, is deviating from the usual script on energy return.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
But Beijing and other critics see Japan as deviating from its postwar peace pledge, pointing to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement soon after taking office that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
And while that's true, the show is also its own beast, deviating greatly from King's story by weaving in military intrigue, spycraft, and Native American mythology.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviating
Adjective
-
Direct and indirect stock holdings, including mutual funds or retirement plans, accounted for an all-time high of 45% of households’ financial assets in the second quarter of 2025, according to Federal Reserve data.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation left for the Swiss city after the first round of indirect talks took place in Oman last week.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Illinois bolted an early 15-3 lead as USC stumbled out of the gate, turning the ball over four times in the first six minutes and missing seven of its first eight shots.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Consider pausing a debate, rescheduling an extra meeting, or turning a workout into a quiet walk, because solitude restores your energy and lets new ideas surface.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Shipments on the circuitous route are increasing.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Shipments on the circuitous route are increasing.—
Will Kubzansky,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And in some strange, roundabout way, the experience might wind up making USC and its star freshman much better in the long run.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
-
This monologue on housing theory was a roundabout way of explaining a photo of Censori with her mother, aunt, and sister, in which Censori looks like the daughter of a Real Housewife of New Jersey, with a clementine tan and leopard-print bustier.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Somehow, Bentley’s support act plays to both those sensibilities, since Skaggs was a mainstream Nashville star who went bluegrass, and now is veering back a little bit, as a live attraction.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Together, even when the cameras are off, the hosts are affable and garrulous, veering from one riff to another with the impish energy of drive-time radio hosts who monitor Rasmussen polling instead of batting averages.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Both countries are diverging on trade, too.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The visit underscored diverging narratives about the rebuilding process in Los Angeles.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deviating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviating. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
