Definition of divertnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divert different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

In what contexts can amuse take the place of divert?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When would entertain be a good substitute for divert?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

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 divert Gray is also warning that much of the water meant for the Everglades is being diverted away, leaving the wetlands too dry. Sofia Baltodano, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026 In the three years since ChatGPT, Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have diverted the bulk of their manufacturing, research and investments toward the HBM used in AI accelerators from Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 Curtis wants to see a more holistic conversation on how to address delays in rural communities, rather than a proviso that diverts funding from projects long in the works. Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026 In the three years since ChatGPT, Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have diverted the bulk of their manufacturing, research and investments toward the HBM used in AI accelerators from Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Debby Wu, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
  • They were probably just amused by it, and Epstein more so.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Trump’s frenetic social media activity is also aimed more at titillating his hardcore online supporters (and, again, amusing himself) than persuading swing voters.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Kato is talking with local schools about turning Mardi Gras bead-making into a community project.
    TRAVIS LOLLER, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Since last fall, the Media Research Center, a right-wing organization that criticizes legacy media outlets, has turned its attention on Apple News’ story selection.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • They were seen by the clergy, for example, to be distracted by chocolate, drinking it and gossiping instead of paying attention to mass.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • State transportation officials argued that street art is distracting and can pose a risk to drivers.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For families La Sultana Oualidia welcomes guests of all ages, and offers a diverse range of activities to keep younger travelers entertained.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • If the federal government would stop putting on a violent show intended to suppress opposition and entertain their true believers, Pretti and Good would be alive.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Within seconds, Perez smacked a cellphone out of the man's hand, swung at his head and tackled him to the ground.
    Sheridan Hendrix, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Over the past decade, screening guidelines have swung from recommending routine screening to advising against it to landing somewhere in between, and major organizations still don’t all say it the same way.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Robbie is at her finest when regaling Charli XCX or Jessie Ware and her mom about her clubbing days.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Ninny regales Evelyn with tales of Idgi, her sister-in-law and friend who used to run the Whistle Stop Cafe, a restaurant on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, that served good coffee, better barbecue, and great gossip.
    Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But Larkin was at the top of the crease to deflect it past the netminder for the 1-0 lead.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Hughes’ shot was headed directly into the pads of Markstrom, who was perfectly positioned for an easy save, before Larkin, perched on the doorstep, reached out to deflect the puck by Markstrom on his gloved side.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Suzuki just about did it all on the tying goal, sending the puck out to the point to Devon Toews and then redirecting the defenseman’s shot that was going well wide past Lukas Dostal and into the net.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Canada, the team and the country, could finally take a breath when Suzuki redirected defenseman Devon Toews’ shot from the point past Czechia goaltender Lukas Dostal.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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