Meaning & use
deviate
To turn aside or depart from an established course, plan, standard, or norm.
See it in a sentence
The pilot had to deviate from the planned route to avoid a severe storm.
Employees who deviate from company policy without approval risk formal disciplinary action.
A note on using this word
Deviate is typically followed by from and describes a departure from what is expected, planned, or normal.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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