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 This configuration is designed to remain operational despite manufacturing deviations and wear that develops during extended operation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026 For the remainder of the year, the Global Port Tracker does not forecast too much deviation from the end of 2025. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026 In Guha's view, a slight deviation in either direction could make all the difference. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026 The deviation meant the plane approached the airport while still too high. — Josh Boswell, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deviation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviation

Noun

Hill’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary run in one of heavy metal’s defining bands.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026
Minervini’s departure at least temporarily ends his long run as a studio host/sports anchor in South Florida.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of departure

Noun

Shipping containers placed by police along key routes in Islamabad since last month to block potential rallies have disrupted traffic and forced residents in the capital and neighboring Rawalpindi to take lengthy detours.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Below’s detour to Little Pot Rock wraps up quickly with little explanation for the erstwhile hag’s seemingly flesh-and-blood existence on the island, but something spooky’s going on with her for sure.

— Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of detour

Noun

The divergence comes as investors grapple with a more hawkish Federal Reserve, persistent inflation and a sharp rise in Treasury yields — fueling concerns that higher borrowing costs could weigh on lending and economic growth.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
This divergence reflects both short-term irregularities in how fast Earth rotates, and a very gradual, long-term slowdown of Earth’s rotation, caused primarily by the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans.

— Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of divergence

Browse Nearby Words

deviating

deviation

deviations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deviation

noun

Example Sentences

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