as in abnormal
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal
the mother's deviate response to her child's death aroused suspicions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pervert
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard
a sleazy bar that seemed to be an informal clubhouse for deviates
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deviate
Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Aggravating circumstances: Rape/criminal deviate conduct, on probation or parole, mutilation/torture.
—Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star, 31 Jan. 2014
Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2016
But despite the stress on the program, Campbell didn’t deviate from his core values — choosing redshirt sophomore quarterback Hunter Dekkers over anyone from the portal.
—Dallas News, 14 July 2022
David Nield, Popular Science, 11 June 2025
The fatal flight’s initial trajectory in the air is also somewhat typical and does not deviate significantly from the previous seven Air India Flight 171 departures from Ahmedabad, according to historical flight data.
—Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deviate
Adjective
Her pitch was simple: Homosexuality is a sin, and if homosexuals were given carte blanche to glamorize their ‘deviate lifestyle’ in Miami-area classrooms, the American family would be destroyed and the American way of life would disappear.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Aggravating circumstances: Rape/criminal deviate conduct, on probation or parole, mutilation/torture.
—Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star, 31 Jan. 2014
Noun
The map shows how far the night skies in different parts of the world deviate from natural sky brightness.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2016
But despite the stress on the program, Campbell didn’t deviate from his core values — choosing redshirt sophomore quarterback Hunter Dekkers over anyone from the portal.
—Dallas News, 14 July 2022
Verb
Apple doesn’t deviate much from its schedule each year.
—David Nield, Popular Science, 11 June 2025
The fatal flight’s initial trajectory in the air is also somewhat typical and does not deviate significantly from the previous seven Air India Flight 171 departures from Ahmedabad, according to historical flight data.
—Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviate
Adjective
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Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye disease that impacts premature babies and occurs when there is abnormal growth of the blood vessels in the retina.—
Ramal Nasim
Updated July 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
-
This mutation produces an abnormal transthyretin (TTR) protein that misfolds and forms amyloid deposits in the heart.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Special-guest pervert Frank (Sam Rockwell) showcases a monologue about his autogynephilia.—
Armond White,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
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Just when things are looking up — a haughty British couple leaves this daughter of Oxfordshire a handsome tip — the dinner pervert turns up for his morning coffee.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Brock just turned 7 and was going for his first camp experience.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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That turned into a backlash from within Trump's MAGA base when the DOJ and the FBI then stated in a memo there would be no new investigations of uncharged third parties.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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His footwork and instincts at third base are unnatural regardless of the maximum effort Chisholm Jr. has put into playing the position.—
Wayne G. McDonnell,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Novak: The fact that this group of degenerates, these bloodsucking, mass-murdering vampires and wannabe vampires, [could be] so lovable is amazing.—
Michael Ordoña,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
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Those who hold advanced degrees in mathematics and analytics, or your favorite degenerate gambler, know any piece of datum is only reliant on the trove of data that occurred previously.—
Bill Speros,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2025
Verb
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When Bacho moves in to make a move, Sakamoto swings a stock pot at Bacho's head, rendering him unconscious.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
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But when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building block, Batchelor swung at the chance.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Noun
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There are countless threads on social media of people venting about leaf blowers, debating how and when they should be used in the first place, instead of a rake.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 July 2025
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The six-inch-thick revetted rakes were retired, and over time, Oakmont’s sand was replaced with finer, more standardized material.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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His stance diverged from both Pentagon climate policy in previous administrations and the department's own research.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
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Political leaders and business owners on the call were in consensus about the need for easier access to work visas, but diverged on the question of citizenship.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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