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

Gabi is trying to prove that Sal somehow put raw chicken in Gabi’s friend’s locker, and Sal is trying to deflect. — Kavya Dhillon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2026

And the people who were present basically deflected, according to Andy, deflected the entire situation. — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 19 Sep. 2026

Although Mackert is quick to deflect the credit, Nissen will certainly give him plenty of it. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

But his actions here — deflecting accountability, being vague yet defensive about his own politics — and his history with Kraft suggest his sympathies might not lie with the causes his opening acts stand for. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026