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 The film tells the dramatic story of three community leaders in Latin America who resisted government and corporate plans to divert critical local water resources to mining and hydroelectric projects. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 19 Apr. 2025 Drivers were being diverted to westbound SR 836, and as of 9 p.m., FDOT was telling drivers to seek alternative routes. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025 On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to divert $3 million from the county’s 2018 $134-million settlement with lead-paint manufacturers to test residential properties that are both downwind and within one mile of the Eaton burn scar boundary. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 The fourth plane, Flight 93, was diverted and crashed in Pennsylvania. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
  • Since going viral, Joyce said the responses have been overwhelmingly positive and many people were amused by his Australian accent.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Anybody else amused that Knight was trying to sell the engagement from her fake wedding to Torres?
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Francis’ Death Silences a Voice for the Voiceless As democratic values and alliances were being turned upside down, the pope was a consistent moral guidepost.
    Helene Cooper Jason Horowitz Claire Brown Maureen Cavanagh, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That’s four clubs who are, to varying degrees, distracted from league football.
    Sam Tighe, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Photo: Google Maps Another theory: The glittering Emmys hardly distract from $6.495 million’s worth of truly great bones.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • April 28, 2025 Even amid the negativity, Perry is delivering a strikingly fun, entertaining two-hour show that’s coming to the U.S. next week.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2025
  • The Browns wouldn’t entertain his trade demand and plan to continue to have Garrett wreck opposing offenses.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 127-85 in the collective fourth quarters, a decisive advantage that swung several games in the series.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • With this in mind, the Dodgers could look to swing a blockbuster trade for a rental starting pitcher to help them down the stretch this season.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The president took them through the residence, showing off the Lincoln Bedroom and the Yellow Oval Room while regaling the group with historical facts, and finished the jaunt in the Oval Office.
    Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Niederreiter scored his first goal of the series, too, deflecting Dylan Samberg’s point shot, and then Appleton and Niederreiter combined to get Adam Lowry an empty net goal to make it 5-2 with 3:13 left in the game.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • The president, however, deflected blame from the weak figures reflected in the first economic report card of his second term.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, and excess energy can be redirected into movement (exercise), mindfulness, or strategic thinking.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Legislators may also take up legislation this year to shave off some of the tax revenue the state currently collects from property insurers and redirect it toward a grant program for fire-resistant roofs and vegetation management work.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divert

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