deviation
9 synonyms for deviation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A departure from an expected, planned, or normal course of action.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deviation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
standard deviation
deviation from the norm
minor deviation
Etymology
From Medieval Latin dēviātiō, from dēviāre, "to turn off the road" — built from de- ("off") + via ("way").
Full origin of deviation →Frequently asked questions
What does “deviation” mean?
The word “deviation” means a departure from an expected, planned, or normal course of action. In plain terms, a move or difference away from what is normal, expected, or planned.
How do you pronounce “deviation”?
“Deviation” is pronounced dee-vee-AY-shuhn (/ˌdiviˈeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “deviation” in a sentence?
Here is “deviation” used in a sentence: “Any deviation from the safety procedure must be reported immediately.”
What part of speech is “deviation”?
“Deviation” is a noun.
Where does the word “deviation” come from?
The word “deviation” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin dēviātiō, from dēviāre, "to turn off the road" — built from de- ("off") + via ("way").
Is “deviation” a common word?
“Deviation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “deviation” have?
“Deviation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a departure from an expected, planned, or normal course of action.
