Synonyms of deflect

deflect

verb

di-ˈflekt 

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

• turn
• swing
• divert
• redirect
• whip
• veer
• shift
• move
• wheel
• avert
• deviate
• swivel
• switch
• whirl
• shunt
• swerve
• sway
• transfer
• curve
• sidetrack
• rechannel
• twist
• reverse
• bend
• turn back
• zigzag

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deflect

If praise arrives, accept it instead of deflecting, then point to the next milestone. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Because the unexpected droppers have created confusion, however, QB Matthew Stafford throws a pass that deflects off Spillane and is intercepted. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Argentina finally re-took the lead for good in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero hit a glancing header that deflected off the arm of Cape Verde defender Diney Borges for an own goal. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

With less snow on the ground each year to deflect the sun, and the warming Arctic nearby, where rapidly melting sea ice leaves more ocean to absorb the sun’s energy, Europe is warming faster than any other region on earth. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026