What is the opposite of “deviate”?

What is the antonym of “deviate”?

The antonyms of deviate are conform, comply, and adhere. These words convey the idea of following rules, norms, or standards, rather than going against them.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

conform

To behave in accordance with accepted standards, rules, or laws.

Example

The employees were required to conform to the company's dress code policy.

comply

To act in accordance with a request, command, or rule.

Example

The students had to comply with the teacher's instructions during the exam.

adhere

To stick to or follow closely a particular course of action or belief.

Example

The team had to adhere to the project timeline to meet the deadline.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Conform implies following established standards or norms, while deviate implies going against them.
• 2. Comply implies following a specific request or rule, while deviate implies doing the opposite.
• 3. Adhere implies sticking to a particular course of action or belief, while deviate implies straying from it.

Good things to know

• 1. Business: Use conform, comply, and adhere in business contexts to describe following rules, regulations, and standards.
• 2. Education: Use these antonyms in educational contexts to describe following instructions, guidelines, and policies.
• 3. Social Interaction: Use these antonyms in social interactions to describe following social norms, customs, and expectations.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of deviate are conform, comply, and adhere. These words convey the idea of following rules, norms, or standards, rather than going against them. Use these words in business, education, and social interaction contexts to describe following rules, regulations, and standards.