Thesaurus results for DEFLECT

deflect

verb

di-ˈflekt

Definition of deflect

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

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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 The president also has deflected criticism of their impact on consumer prices by claiming erroneously that foreigners pay for them. — Kent Jones, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 The former Carolina Panthers linebacker spent his 15 minutes deflecting credit and thanking others, showering dozens of people from his life with praise. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026 Dugger also had a would-be pick-six Wednesday on an Adrian Martinez pass deflected by Jones. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Driscoll deflected questions about the nation’s munitions stockpiles. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect

Verb

The Documentary simply turned that editorial lens back on ANTM and Banks.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Three late tries helped the Wallabies turn a 21-17 halftime lead into a 39-point victory, giving the Australians a three-match winning streak for the first time since 2024.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of turn

Verb

But once every 12 years, during the Year of the Horse, the doors swing open.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
The inning should have been over after Bo Bichette swung on a bouncing pitch that went back to the backstop, but Washington catcher Keibert Ruiz threw the ball past first base, and Bichette was safe.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of swing

Verb

After one unit went offline, the Romanian navy blasted riverbed rocks, dredged the channel, and sank barges filled with stones in an attempt to divert more water toward the plant and keep the other unit operating.

— , CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Taxpayers need to know that almost $200 million of their money has been diverted away from charging stations that could help make commuting with electric vehicles easier.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of divert

Browse Nearby Words

deflations

deflect

deflected

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“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deflect

verb

Example Sentences

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