DIVERT Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

divert

verb

də-ˈvərt

Definition of divert

as in to amuse

to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied a light comedy to divert the tired business executive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to turn

to change the course or direction of (something) the bike race was diverted around the construction zone

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to distract

to draw the attention or mind to something else trying to divert the child with a toy while the doctor was giving her a shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Beyond all that open space, the ranch comes with extensive water rights, allowing water to be diverted from Trout Creek and Flint Creek for livestock and irrigation. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 Authorities had closed four eastbound lanes, diverting traffic into the far-right lane. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The Senate Leadership Fund is spending $14 million in Kansas, diverting resources away from a North Carolina Senate race after Democrats pulled ahead in polling. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 Maryland has since expanded LEAD diversion in communities across the state, giving officers options to divert qualifying participants toward supportive services such as drug treatment, housing or employment assistance. — Mike Hilliard, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert

Verb

Both are obviously fabricated, but neither of the candidates depicted is amused.

— Max Raskin, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026
Written over the span of her extensive career, these tales amuse, enchant, perplex and illuminate.

— The Know, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of amuse

Verb

He’s handcuffed to this stupid project, and swaths of people have instantly turned their back on him without knowing any of the facts.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
By July, the side project turned into a full-time job when MLB hired Weingardt as a principal product manager to explore changes to its flagship app.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn

Verb

But that kept him entertained, as did his gaming console, which came in handy last year in Rome, when my husband and I slipped out to Piazza del Popolo for a glass of wine.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The games feature unconventional rules designed to keep the action moving and entertain fans.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

Turturro regaled attendees with stories about his impressive stage career.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026
If wokeness isn’t the most pressing matter in this year’s election, neither were the other golden oldies DeSantis recalled to regale the ballroom crowd at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre about his eight years in office.

— Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of regale

Verb

Signaling a potential means to deflect a future get-out-the-vote blitz, Kay said that anyone affiliated with Los Angeles County was required to recuse themselves and physically leave the meeting room if in person or join a breakout room online.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
While Boeing callously deflects blame for their negligence, a family of one victim finds strength in gathering collective mourning.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of deflect

Verb

The Bátan River used to flow through Santa María Acuexcomac but had dried up because of decades of water being extracted and redirected to the expanding state capital, Puebla de Zaragoza.

— Valeria Luongo, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
When the relationship ended two years later, Sarah redirected her energy to self-care, which had a remarkable effect.

— Georgia Casey, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of redirect

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diversity

divert

diverted

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“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of divert

verb

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