deflect

verb

di-ˈflekt How to pronounce deflect (audio)
Definition of deflectnext
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) the wind deflected the Frisbee just as I was about to lunge for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of deflect Bhusri may not be keen on soaking up the limelight, preferring instead to deflect it to one of his young mentees. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 For capable enemy forces like China, this would mean the B-52 would need supporting assets to either deflect attention away from them or directly protect them. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026 Indeed, many have credited Lee Krasner with deflecting Pollock’s attention from Benton and focusing it on the great modern masters. — Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 The Argentine first fired a shot at the top of the box that was deflected. — Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
  1. turn
  2. swing
  3. divert
  4. redirect
  5. whip
Verb
  • David Standridge’s philosophy is all about harvesting what’s plentiful and turning it into something delicious.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Future success will require Space42 to turn its technological capabilities, capital commitments and international partnerships into commercially viable services that can compete across markets at scale and at a sustainable cost.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of turn
Verb
  • The outcome in California's 13th District could hinge on whether Lincoln can attract moderate and swing voters beyond the Republican base.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Fans at Capital One Arena swung white towels ecstatically after Justin Champagnie converted a shot — also drawing a foul — to give the Wizards a seven-point lead with just over eight minutes left.
    — Jake Kauderer, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of swing
Verb
  • The shenanigans ultimately prove slight but undeniably diverting.
    — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The $10 million, part of a settlement offered by a company that overcharged Medicaid, was diverted into other hands, starting with the Hope Florida Foundation, the favorite charity of First Lady Casey DeSantis.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of divert
Verb
  • The original plan changed because of substantial delays caused by global conflicts and suppliers redirecting their resources towards military products, including drones and missiles.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
  • By changing its flight attitude, the platform could redirect the radar beam toward different sectors without depending entirely on a mechanically rotating antenna.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of redirect
Verb
  • Fire crews scrambled late Saturday as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip

Browse Nearby Words

deflations
deflect
deflected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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