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 Many proteins have significant regions where limited changes to their amino acid sequence are tolerable and other areas where even a slight deviation from the existing sequence inactivates the protein. — ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026 Bridge lifts usually happen on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Transportation Department said, though there are a couple of deviations from that schedule this year to accommodate ongoing rehabilitation work on the 110-year-old Lake Street Bridge. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 Astronomers measure these changes in brightness and can use that small deviation to infer that a planet is there. — Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026 This configuration is designed to remain operational despite manufacturing deviations and wear that develops during extended operation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deviation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviation

Noun

Following the simultaneous departures of former chiefs Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) at the end of last season, long-time fans might have expected another familiar face to take the helm.

— Max Gao, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Her high-profile appointment followed a multiyear hiatus for Calvin Klein Collection on the runway following the departure of Raf Simons in 2018.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of departure

Noun

Advertisement When a clot blocks one route, blood can take a detour through other veins.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Officials have completed road improvements along the detour route and will deploy traffic control officers at 18 key intersections during the bridge’s full closure.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of detour

Noun

With the latest decreases in cotton prices, a divergence has emerged with the oil market.

— SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
This requires, though, that the majority of stocks are not outright declining and that the divergences aren't accompanied by signs of acute macro stress and tighter financial conditions.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of divergence

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 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviation

noun

Example Sentences

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