deviation

noun

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de·vi·a·tion | \ ˌdē-vē-ˈā-shən

Definition of deviation

: an act or instance of deviating: such as

a navigation : deflection of the needle of a compass caused by local magnetic influences (as in a ship)

b mathematics : the difference between a value in a frequency distribution and a fixed number (such as the mean)

c : departure from an established ideology or party line deviation from Communist orthodoxy

d : noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms (see norm sense 2) of behavior

Other Words from deviation Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing deviation Learn More About deviation

Other Words from deviation

deviationism \ ˌdē-vē-ˈā-shə-ˌni-zəm

\ noun

deviationist \ ˌdē-vē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nist

\ noun or adjective

Examples of deviation in a Sentence

There have been slight deviations in the satellite's orbit. Having juice instead of coffee was a deviation from his usual routine. The pattern's deviation from the norm is significant.

Recent Examples on the Web Leaving a stable job for a convict is a major deviation from societal norms, Bourke said. — Scottie Andrew, CNN, 7 May 2022 YouTube Go was actually a wild deviation from the normal YouTube formula, thanks to being targeted at users with intermittent Internet access. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 4 May 2022 The project is also a deviation from how many celebrities have approached crypto. — New York Times, 31 Mar. 2022 This measures its deviation from its own standard levels, and bitcoin has still had wild swings, such as a 17 percent jump on March 1. — NBC News, 29 Mar. 2022 Kessler’s smile while ascending the ladder was a deviation from the moments of angst as the 7′1 center continues to battle through a shoulder injury suffered last Saturday in a loss at Tennessee. — al, 5 Mar. 2022 The special legal order permits the government to enact laws by decree without parliamentary oversight, and permits the temporary suspension of and deviation from existing laws. — Justin Spike, ajc, 24 May 2022 The special legal order permits the government to enact laws by decree without parliamentary oversight and permits the temporary suspension of and deviation from existing laws. — Justin Spike, BostonGlobe.com, 24 May 2022 Prosecutors can also seek bail in cases where a law enforcement agency obtains a bail deviation from a magistrate judge for offenses also charged as a misdemeanor, non-serious felony or being non-violent. — Fox News, 13 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deviation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.