deviant
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for deviant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way society disapproves of.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deviant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Often used clinically or judgmentally rather than neutrally — it usually carries a negative charge.
Etymology
From Latin dēviāns, "straying" or "turning off the road" — literally de- ("away") + via ("way, road").
Full origin of deviant →Frequently asked questions
What does “deviant” mean?
The word “deviant” means different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way society disapproves of. In plain terms, someone or something that strays noticeably from what is considered normal.
How do you pronounce “deviant”?
“Deviant” is pronounced DEE-vee-uhnt (/ˈdiː.vi.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “deviant” in a sentence?
Here is “deviant” used in a sentence: “The study looked at deviant behaviour among teenagers.”
What is another word for “deviant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deviant” include nonconformist, irregularity and outlier.
What part of speech is “deviant”?
Depending on how it is used, “deviant” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “deviant” come from?
The word “deviant” comes from Latin. From Latin dēviāns, "straying" or "turning off the road" — literally de- ("away") + via ("way, road").
How many meanings does “deviant” have?
“Deviant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way society disapproves of.