as in abnormal
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal
some studies show that many violent criminals begin exhibiting deviant behavior in early childhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in maverick
a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs
branded as social deviants by a society that did not value self-expression
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deviant
Time, 21 Nov. 2025
From Psycho to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to The Silence of the Lambs, Gein’s macabre legacy gave birth to fictional monsters born in his image and ignited a cultural obsession with the criminally deviant.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, a deviant killer operating in the yakuza underworld seems to be shadowing their moves.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deviant
Adjective
Crucially, Margaret Hamilton’s iconic Wicked Witch used her phallic broom to stalk her prey — marking her both deviant and masculine, challenging the wizard through her independence and mobility.
—Time, 21 Nov. 2025
From Psycho to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to The Silence of the Lambs, Gein’s macabre legacy gave birth to fictional monsters born in his image and ignited a cultural obsession with the criminally deviant.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Among them is a singer (Kiernan Shipka) making a living as an exotic dancer, who, after becoming Sheridan’s victim, joins them in their battle to rein in the young deviant.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, a deviant killer operating in the yakuza underworld seems to be shadowing their moves.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deviant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviant
Adjective
-
What to Know About Breast Cancer in Dogs Breast cancers in dogs are often referred to as mammary tumors, which develop from abnormal replication of breast tissue cells, according to Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Specialists.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Cancer Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There are no maverick molecules in the universe.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Landmarks across the globe, from Prince’s beloved hometown Minnesota Twins baseball stadium, and NYC’s Times Square to Paris’ Eiffel Tower, were bathed in purple in honor of the maverick.—
Keith Murphy,
VIBE.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When choosing soaps to deter deer, gardeners often have success with deodorant soaps that have an unnatural and strong scent, such as Irish Spring, Ivory, Coast, and Dial.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Both look awkward and unnatural.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The town’s overflowing with charming Midwest eccentrics, including a cocky mayor (Henry Winkler) and a welcoming barkeep (Lena Headey).—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Those crazy, diverse individuals, that tribe of oddballs and eccentrics, dreamers, and gamblers who make up this business.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deviant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviant. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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