as in perverts
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard
a sleazy bar that seemed to be an informal clubhouse for deviates
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Recent Examples of deviates
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
The Disney performance, which typically runs on weekdays, deviates from the religious overtunes.
—Todd Martens, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
Even in states whose policy deviates from the CDC, each pharmacy can set its own boundaries on who can be vaccinated, and individual pharmacists may fear liability for vaccinating pregnant customers, Groves said.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
The Uncut Gems star's ensemble deviates from his signature style, which typically includes oversize T-shirts, hoodies and shorts, as well as stylish sneakers.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Act’s control over owners and clubs also deviates substantially from American practices and is chilling to investment.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
There’s always a chance for a surprise cameo that deviates from the source material, but Choi Hyun-wook is not currently listed as a Season 2 cast member.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Any policy that deviates from the central government’s could be seen as politically disloyal.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
If the system deviates from norms—perhaps because data quality has changed—the team investigates at once.
—Stephen Wunker, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
The director's take deviates from Shelley's in its emphasis on forgiveness.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviates
Verb
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
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And in the fall, when the air turns crisp and the fields turn orange, this unassuming little town reminds visitors that sometimes, the most unique places grow from the simplest seeds (pun intended).—
Noun
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What should be a gripping thriller centered on new, uncharted technology and questionable loyalties degenerates into a jumbled mess.—
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If this group of hardened degenerates was able to enjoy the action at this level, who, exactly, are the spiritual victims of sports betting?—
Verb
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The conversation between Kaleel and the man then veers to tidbits about the rap artist, Eminem.—
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Mainstream media and online discussion around OnlyFans often veers into a moral panic, lamenting that the extremity of some creators’ work, in an age when outrage and engagement lead directly to revenue, may have a corrupting influence on audiences.—
Verb
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Forcefully thrust your hips forward to return to standing so that the bell swings up in front of you.—
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When the rudder is put over, the stern swings out first, so that if the vessel is in restricted waters, trying to avoid something ahead can result in hitting something behind.—
Verb
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Neuralink top officials’ public rhetoric about machine-human symbiosis and healthy human implantation diverges sharply from the company’s clinical work helping people with ALS and quadriplegia control a computer with their mind.—
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Yet its style diverges significantly from the icy, minimalist chic that has shaped engagement-ring tastes in recent years.—
Cite this Entry
“Deviates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviates. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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