deviance

noun

de·​vi·​ance ˈdē-vē-ən(t)s How to pronounce deviance (audio)
: deviant quality, state, or behavior

Examples of deviance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Created, written and executive produced by Danny McBride, who also stars, The Righteous Gemstones tells the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work. Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025 The Righteous Gemstones follows an infamous televangelist family with a history of charitable contributions coupled with deviance and greed. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025 This dynamic also highlights the role of the audience in constructing the idea of deviance. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Honesty-humility’s impact on physical health is limited, potentially because it is more strongly linked to behaviors with a moral dimension, such as avoiding deviance, rather than physical health habits like exercise or diet. Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deviance 

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deviance was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near deviance

Cite this Entry

“Deviance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deviance. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

deviance

noun
de·​vi·​ance ˈdē-vē-ən(t)s How to pronounce deviance (audio)
: quality, state, or behavior that differs from what is normal or accepted

Medical Definition

deviance

noun
de·​vi·​ance ˈdē-vē-ən(t)s How to pronounce deviance (audio)
: deviant quality, state, or behavior

More from Merriam-Webster on deviance

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