deflected

verb

past tense of deflect
as in swung
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 deflected Officials deflected the argument by pointing out that cars are far more dangerous than bikes, which is true but not especially relevant. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026 On Sunday, Stevens deflected questions about what led to her reversal in an interview with Cooper. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026 Sourdif deflected the puck past Wallstedt to cut the lead in half. — CBS News, 1 Nov. 2026 Ballard was pressured by senior defensive end Koron Hayward and threw a pass that was deflected by senior cornerback Kalen Carroll. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026 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 Contreras knocked home Yelich with a line-drive single to left that was deflected by shortstop Taylor Walls with the infield playing in. — Steve Megaree, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflected
  1. swung
  2. turned
  3. whipped
  4. diverted
  5. redirected
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 swung
Verb
  • The ambush-style attack turned into an eight-hour standoff with law enforcement.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Chiefs entered 2026 hoping to rebound from a 6-11 season and return to the Super Bowl conversation, but their loss to Denver has turned simply winning the division into a dogfight.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of turned
Verb
  • 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
  • The Falcons’ starting quarterback twirled a black string around his finger, then violently whipped it down after his first interception.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of whipped
Verb
  • Yet state lawmakers and governors routinely diverted transportation revenues to pay for other government expenses.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Irish airline Aer Lingus diverted its Dublin to Rome flight on Thursday morning following a hoax bomb threat.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of diverted
Verb
  • Asked by an audience member why film budgets stay tight even as ticket prices climb, Mihai said arthouse theaters in Europe struggle to survive and many are closing, while her community lives in constant fear of funding being redirected.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Frondell redirected Tyler Bertuzzi’s wrist shot from the point past a surprised DiPietro early in the second period for his second career two-goal game.
    — Jim Fuller, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of redirected

Browse Nearby Words

deflect
deflected
deflecting
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Cite this Entry

“Deflected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflected. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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