as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something)
the wind deflected the Frisbee just as I was about to lunge for it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 deflect
Still with a chance to win the game, UF point guard Xavian Lee took the ensuring inbounds pass the length of the court and dribbled behind the basket, but the Hawkeyes deflected his pass attempt to Haugh in the lane to secure the stunning upset.
—
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
Rafael made the initial save, but the rebound fell to Marcus Ingvartsen, whose shot deflected off defender Philip Quinton and into the net to even the score at 1-1.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy of encirclement of Israel had collapsed, and its ballistic-missile counterpunch was largely deflected by Israeli and Western defenses.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
Kerr deflected the question of whether Curry was disappointed that his return to practice was put off at least two more days.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
Rafael made the initial save, but the rebound fell to Marcus Ingvartsen, whose shot deflected off defender Philip Quinton and into the net to even the score at 1-1.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy of encirclement of Israel had collapsed, and its ballistic-missile counterpunch was largely deflected by Israeli and Western defenses.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
Kerr deflected the question of whether Curry was disappointed that his return to practice was put off at least two more days.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
-
The Times of India found workers in Chirag Dilli, the city’s dumpling-making capital, so stretched for fuel that some had given up on steaming and had turned operations over to chow mein.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
That combination can turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire.—
Joe Ruch,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
My dad glanced behind us once to see if we were being followed, winked at me in the rearview mirror, and then swung our car toward Interstate 80, headed west.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Then the pendulum swung and strength training came into vogue in the ’90s and 2000s as more research emerged suggesting that lifting could help improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis, Petrzela says.—
Caitlin Carlson,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
North Richland Hills fire crews are on scene to deal with the hazmat situation and police are working to divert traffic to clear the backup, police said in a social media post.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The tanker, believed to be carrying about 190,000 barrels of Russian diesel, spent weeks drifting in the Atlantic before diverting toward Venezuela, according to tracking data.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even a temporary pause on discretionary spending can free up cash to redirect toward existing balances.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The current survey was conducted during the final three months of 2025, long before the Iran war that has sent oil and gas prices soaring and threatens to slow the economy as Americans redirect more of their dollars to filling gas tanks and away from other spending.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For 10 minutes, Boyd took in the scene as the flags whipped above the center-field scoreboard, Cubs infielders took grounders and stadium workers finished final preparations before 39,712 fans streamed into the ballpark.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
This pizza has soppressata, whipped ricotta and drizzles of hot honey.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
