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 These deviations are due to the interaction between the helium in their atmosphere and traces of other elements, which vary between white dwarfs, depending on what material has interacted with the star over the course of its lifetime. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 This type of structured risk assessment is already extensively used in industry through HAZOP reviews, where potential deviations, causes, consequences and safeguards are systematically examined before a process is put into operation. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Li fled to Mexico and then China to avoid arrest, and Xuan and Zhang are accused of helping her, according to a criminal complaint and the prosecutors’ bail deviation motion. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Any deviation from the standard of care felt like a reckless gamble with death. — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deviation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviation

Noun

Since Sorrells was sworn in, at least 79 assistant district attorneys have resigned, according to a source familiar with the departures.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
His departure just days before the midterms adds to the questions swirling around MAHA’s salience to the electorate.

— Anil Oza, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of departure

Noun

This year, the Transhumance Festival took a detour from its traditional historical route to avoid the city’s central square, the Puerta del Sol, where housing activists have set up a protest camp.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
People sometimes assume dog walking was a gap or detour in my career.

— Sally Simmons, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of detour

Noun

Following an extended advance, the S & P 500 began testing its rising 50-day moving average as negative RSI divergences developed.

— Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The divergence shows how much revenue growth now depends on earning more from each passenger rather than carrying more of them.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of divergence

Noun

After a key Panthers stop — thanks to a clutch deflection from star defensive end Derrick Brown — the Eagles set up to punt from their own 40-yard line.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
Many commenters highlight a pattern of victim-blaming and deflection, comparing Miller's actions to broader issues within the Republican Party.

— Lara Korte, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of deflection

Browse Nearby Words

deviating

deviation

deviations

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Style

“Deviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviation

noun

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