departure from the norm

NOUN

variation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abnormality alteration change deviation discrepancy disparity divergence diversity fluctuation innovation modification mutation shift variety

STRONG

aberration adaptation bend break contradistinction contrast curve deflection departure digression displacement dissimilarity dissimilitude distinction diversification exception inequality novelty swerve turn

WEAK

unconformity

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement harmony sameness similarity stagnation uniformity

STRONG

conformity continuation equality likeness line normality regularity

WEAK

root source

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

British ambassadors are usually career diplomats, but in a departure from the norm, Lord Mandelson was a politician and businessman when he was appointed to the top diplomatic role in Washington.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The Cougars played the majority of the game from behind, a departure from the norm, and in the second half, they couldn’t make their slim leads last.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2024

In what was largely a departure from the norm, he also played to the Republicans in attendance, goading them into peeved responses that he could then meet with a confident camaraderie:

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2023

Spicy Thai lime nuts with baked makrut leaves and a Tom Yum powder offer a zesty, citrusy departure from the norm, making them your new must-try handful for an irresistible snack on the go.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2022

In old days an anomaly was called πάθος, and in this sense every departure from the norm is for me a pathological event.

From Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 Sexual Inversion by Ellis, Havelock

departure from the norm

Example Sentences

Related Words