deflect

verb

di-ˈflekt How to pronounce deflect (audio)
Definition of deflectnext
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 After Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov was penalized for delay of game for firing the puck over the glass, Maurice challenged in the belief the puck was deflected by the Jets defender. — Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 Roberts went up high for a header, off a corner kick played in by Werner, that deflected off the crossbar into the net to open the scoring in the 15th minute. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Herold also deflected two extra-point tries, though both still sailed through the uprights. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 With its available sun-deflecting bright-white fabric and huge garage door-like entryway, the tent makes for a natural day shelter for events out in the sun, rain and wind. — New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
  1. turn
  2. swing
  3. divert
  4. redirect
  5. whip
Verb
  • Fundraiser organizers said on the GoFundMe website that Flores would have turned 14 on Friday.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The former policeman turned recluse comes out of retirement to try to figure out whether the boy’s missing sister is still alive.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of turn
Verb
  • The New York Times estimates all voters swung about 15 points toward Democrats compared to 2024, helping the party flip seats in deep red states like Texas and South Carolina.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Prices for the commodity have been volatile over the past few years as supplies swung dramatically one season to the next, with climate change, water scarcity, and pest and disease playing a role.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of swing
Verb
  • Irish airline Aer Lingus diverted its Dublin to Rome flight on Thursday morning following a hoax bomb threat.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But in a real Earth-threatening scenario, even such a tiny shift could help divert an asteroid on a collision course — as long as scientists get enough advance warning of its approach.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of divert
Verb
  • Kaprizov zipped a cross-ice pass through the slot that Shabanov redirected past Askarov at the far post.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Alongside familiar talent metrics, HR should increasingly examine skills utilization, internal mobility, knowledge flow, decision authority and the speed with which capability can be redirected toward strategic need.
    — Ghenwa Habbal, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of redirect
Verb
  • There’s getting into shape and then there’s whipping a company into shape, preparing it for the fast-moving future.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Now comes Denver, which whipped the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 because Carolina couldn’t handle the Broncos’ pass rush.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of whip

Browse Nearby Words

deflations
deflect
deflected
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Cite this Entry

“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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