DEVIATION Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

deviation

noun

ˌdē-vē-ˈā-shən

Definition of deviation

as in departure

a turning away from a course or standard a memoir that was discovered to contain numerous deviations from fact

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adherence

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 deviation The deviation meant the plane approached the airport while still too high. — Josh Boswell, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Poor execution leads to protocol deviations, delayed data availability, transcription errors and operational inefficiencies that increase risks. — Avik Pal, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Our extended winter weather forecasts emphasize temperature and precipitation deviations from averages, or normals. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Genetic deviations that impair the processing of alcohol turn out to be associated with lower rates of alcoholism. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deviation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviation

Noun

In Barranquilla, an exclusive celebration at the embarkation point channels the city’s carnival, a convergence of African, Indigenous, and Spanish traditions brought to life through cumbia, mapalé, and color on every departure, year-round.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s departure with a statement explaining his shows aren’t political.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of departure

Noun

There’s never going to be optimal city management of road closures and detours to everyone’s liking, no matter how many public hearings of driver angst and outcry take place.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Lovelace and Southern have compellingly stitched together interviews, performance clips, audience reactions, and a few detours into the lives of individual fans.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of detour

Noun

The study found a similar divergence in opinions among working-class Latino voters.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
The potential divergence among these three major central banks at this single juncture underscores the complexity of the current global financial environment.

— , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of divergence

Noun

Each whisker is packed with sensitive nerve endings at its base that detect tiny deflections, vibrations, and pressure changes when brushing against surfaces.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Most of it will be directed at Lane Kiffin, while LSU fans will undoubtedly take some of the heat on deflection.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of deflection

Browse Nearby Words

deviating

deviation

deviations

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Deviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviation. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviation

noun

Example Sentences

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