as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment
some tall and diverting tales were told by the festival's roving storyteller
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in entertaining
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
a light comedy to divert the tired business executive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turning
to change the course or direction of (something)
the bike race was diverted around the construction zone
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in distracting
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of diverting
BostonGlobe.com,
26 July 2021
The plan also would call for constant testing of players and staff, which could mean diverting resources from public health care.
—
Nick Piecoro,
azcentral,
6 Apr. 2020
Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—
Jonah Engel Bromwich,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2016
Per The New York Times: Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—
Charles P. Pierce,
Esquire,
10 Oct. 2016
Both popular and science media show an outsized fondness for brain imaging studies, inspiring much work more diverting than informative.
—
David Dobbs,
WIRED,
4 July 2006
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
The California Highway Patrol temporarily shut down all westbound lanes of the freeway, diverting traffic onto Irwindale Avenue, before opening up one lane.
—
Laurence Darmiento
follow,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
The plane had taken off from Mexico's San Jose del Cabo on Tuesday evening and was bound for Austin before diverting to Laredo, according to tracking data.
—
Jessica Gorman,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
The Cobb County School District has filed a lawsuit to stop the Cobb County Board of Commissioners from diverting funds away from Cobb's students and teachers.
—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Williamson admitted to diverting $225,000 from a dormant Beccera campaign account to Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s longtime chief of staff.
—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
This journey requires them to climb fish ladders over dams, navigate culverts diverting streams under roads, and ascend up to elevations of 7,000 feet.
—
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2026
With nearly 20% of the world’s global oil flows initially disrupted by the war, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are diverting more volumes via pipelines.
—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
In May, Hawthorne got court permission to look into its allegations that the state was improperly diverting some of its funding to Fairmount Park in downstate Collinsville.
—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Adjective
But you were also treated to a diverting and delightful narrative, rich with insider’s lore.
—
BostonGlobe.com,
26 July 2021
The plan also would call for constant testing of players and staff, which could mean diverting resources from public health care.
—
Nick Piecoro,
azcentral,
6 Apr. 2020
Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—
Jonah Engel Bromwich,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2016
Per The New York Times: Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—
Charles P. Pierce,
Esquire,
10 Oct. 2016
Both popular and science media show an outsized fondness for brain imaging studies, inspiring much work more diverting than informative.
—
David Dobbs,
WIRED,
4 July 2006
Verb
In a social media post Saturday afternoon, the Kansas City Police Department wrote that bags that don’t meet the event’s clear bag policy were diverting law enforcement resources, as those bags have to be thoroughly inspected.
—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
The California Highway Patrol temporarily shut down all westbound lanes of the freeway, diverting traffic onto Irwindale Avenue, before opening up one lane.
—
Laurence Darmiento
follow,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
The plane had taken off from Mexico's San Jose del Cabo on Tuesday evening and was bound for Austin before diverting to Laredo, according to tracking data.
—
Jessica Gorman,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
The Cobb County School District has filed a lawsuit to stop the Cobb County Board of Commissioners from diverting funds away from Cobb's students and teachers.
—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Williamson admitted to diverting $225,000 from a dormant Beccera campaign account to Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s longtime chief of staff.
—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
This journey requires them to climb fish ladders over dams, navigate culverts diverting streams under roads, and ascend up to elevations of 7,000 feet.
—
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2026
With nearly 20% of the world’s global oil flows initially disrupted by the war, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are diverting more volumes via pipelines.
—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
In May, Hawthorne got court permission to look into its allegations that the state was improperly diverting some of its funding to Fairmount Park in downstate Collinsville.
—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverting
Adjective
-
The closest the visually drab movie comes to excitement is the introduction of an amusing if underused Jason Momoa as Lobo, an immortal bounty hunter who looks like a heavy-metal god (or maybe a lost member of Kiss), chomping on a fat cigar and roaring around on his flying motorcycle.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
-
Mighty Real includes an amusing anecdote about trying to finagle an interview with New Order’s Bernard Sumner in the early ’80s when bassist Peter Hook busts in and shows you his uncut willie.—
Alfred Soto,
Pitchfork,
24 June 2026
Verb
-
Serving trays for entertaining over $50 This classy Mother of Pearl serving tray is made to order with custom sizing and trim.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
From neighborhood potlucks to fireworks watch parties, Sam's Club is rolling out plenty of festive finds to help make Fourth of July entertaining easier and more fun.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
People in their 20s and 30s are pulling chess sets, backgammon boards and mahjong tiles out of closets and grandparents’ attics, turning them into the centerpiece of their social lives.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2026
-
While Svoboda is at least another year away from turning pro, Halttunen might be ready to make his NHL debut sometime during the 2026-27 season.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Verb
-
However, there was a distracting graphical issue where characters and objects would get weird glowy or black artifacts around the edges in close-up shots during battles and cutscenes.—
Jay Peters,
The Verge,
23 June 2026
-
People attending the trial would also be prohibited from reacting, gesturing, wearing distracting clothing, or otherwise disrupting proceedings.—
Matthew Davisson,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The electric blue shade adds such a fun pop of color to a summer wardrobe, instantly brightening up basics like white jeans, denim shorts, or neutral trousers.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
-
Gemini May 21 – June 20 A fun idea may need a clearer price tag.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
One morning earlier this week, Thomas Lupo, the president and CEO of the American Wood Column Corporation, was in his office regaling two young entrepreneurs with tales of his 110-year-old family business.—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
12 June 2026
-
His mind was as sharp as a tack, again regaling us with amazing hockey stories.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
With basic mobile coverage reaching 91% of the population, companies are redirecting their money toward advanced 5G networks and high-speed fiber lines.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
19 June 2026
-
The third pillar focuses on promoting financial and economic incentives such as redirecting agricultural subsidies toward regenerative practices and phasing out incentives that entrench linear production.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
That has prompted accusations by some fans that the organizer is prioritizing profits over creating an enjoyable and accessible experience for people from all over the world.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
Exercise and training is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects for many around the globe.—
David Hoffman,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diverting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverting. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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