Synonyms of divert

divert

verb

də-ˈvərt 

1

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

• amuse
• entertain
• regale
• distract
• occupy
• appease
• delight
• solace
• busy
• please
• engross
• engage
• involve
• interest
• immerse
• disport
• captivate
• console
• hypnotize
• enchant
• placate
• absorb
• beguile
• indulge
• charm
• comfort
• bewitch
• spoil
• fascinate
• gratify
• pamper
• pacify
• intrigue
• propitiate
• enthrall
• mollify
• soothe
• mesmerize
• pleasure
• conciliate
• humor
• content
• coddle
• oblige
• grip
• mollycoddle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• drain
• wear
• exhaust
• weary
• wear out
• harass
• disturb
• aggravate
• annoy
• bother
• perturb
• tire
• upset
• fatigue
• pester
• jade
• enervate
• exasperate
• vex
• bug
• irk
• pique
• harry
• fret
• grate
• gall
• chafe
• peeve
• nettle

2

as in to turn

to change the course or direction of (something)

the bike race was diverted around the construction zone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• turn
• swing
• deflect
• redirect
• whip
• veer
• shift
• move
• wheel
• avert
• deviate
• switch
• whirl
• sidetrack
• rechannel
• shunt
• transfer
• swivel
• swerve
• sway
• curve
• twist
• reverse
• turn back
• bend
• zigzag

3

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

• distract
• detract
• throw off
• abstract
• amuse
• entertain
• call off
• stray
• wander
• beguile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• focus
• concentrate

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

Recent Examples of divert

Traffic in the area was diverted for about four hours while police investigated. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

That’s diverted some of the production away from consumer products and raised costs for manufacturers. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Last year, the Board of Supervisors voted to divert about $300 million from LAHSA to a new a county homelessness department. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026

In doing so, these conflicts obscure deeper structural conditions of harm and divert attention and resources from more effective violence prevention strategies. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026