What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deviate
Example
We cannot deviate from the original plan. [deviate: verb]
Example
His behavior began to deviate from what was considered normal. [deviate: verb]
veer
Example
The car veered off the road and crashed into a tree. [veered: past tense]
Example
The conversation veered off-topic and became unproductive. [veered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deviate is more commonly used than veer in everyday language. Deviate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while veer is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deviate and veer?
Both deviate and veer are formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
