as in swinging
to change the course or direction of (something)
the wind deflected the Frisbee just as I was about to lunge for it
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Recent Examples of deflecting
According to The Planetary Society, scientists focus on deflecting an asteroid rather than destroying it.
—
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
The ladies then try to blame Amanda for deflecting her opinion about Dorit onto Kyle and getting Kyle and Dorit arguing.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
That appeared to frustrate committee members, who accused the sheriff of deflecting blame.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Eetu Luostarinen gave them a 1-0 first intermission lead by deflecting a blistering shot attempt by Rodrigues just seconds after the end of a Florida power play.
—Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
India, Pakistan's neighbouring arch rival, denied that assertion on Sunday, accusing Islamabad of deflecting attention from its own internal problems.
—Reuters, NBC news, 1 Feb. 2026
Eclipses across your astrological axis (Virgo-Pisces) activate themes of independence versus commitment, asking you to honor your devotions without deflecting.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Crosby struck 15 seconds after that, deflecting a pass from the slot into the net.
—CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
His 200th career goal came with hulking Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns draped all over him, but still unable to stop a Zeev Buium pass from deflecting off Kaprizov and past Wedgewood for the equalizer.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2025
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
The ladies then try to blame Amanda for deflecting her opinion about Dorit onto Kyle and getting Kyle and Dorit arguing.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
That appeared to frustrate committee members, who accused the sheriff of deflecting blame.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Eetu Luostarinen gave them a 1-0 first intermission lead by deflecting a blistering shot attempt by Rodrigues just seconds after the end of a Florida power play.
—Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
India, Pakistan's neighbouring arch rival, denied that assertion on Sunday, accusing Islamabad of deflecting attention from its own internal problems.
—Reuters, NBC news, 1 Feb. 2026
Eclipses across your astrological axis (Virgo-Pisces) activate themes of independence versus commitment, asking you to honor your devotions without deflecting.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Crosby struck 15 seconds after that, deflecting a pass from the slot into the net.
—CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
His 200th career goal came with hulking Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns draped all over him, but still unable to stop a Zeev Buium pass from deflecting off Kaprizov and past Wedgewood for the equalizer.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflecting
Verb
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Illinois bolted an early 15-3 lead as USC stumbled out of the gate, turning the ball over four times in the first six minutes and missing seven of its first eight shots.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Consider pausing a debate, rescheduling an extra meeting, or turning a workout into a quiet walk, because solitude restores your energy and lets new ideas surface.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By whipping or rapidly spinning fresh citrus juice, bartenders introduce air into the liquid, creating a thicker texture without adding additional ingredients.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
15 Feb. 2026
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Scheffler began the final day eight shots behind and was 7 under through seven holes before the wind began whipping.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The minister, Niola Lynn Sarah Devalien Octavius, is accused of diverting funds earmarked for national celebrations.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
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Revenue from video games declined 10% in the October-to-December quarter compared with the same period in 2024, diverting from total revenue’s 16% increase.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Users have been using virtual private networks, mirror links, and redirecting URLs to get around restrictions.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
19 Feb. 2026
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When reimbursement is out of sync with real-world acquisition costs, pharmacies are put in the difficult position of limiting inventory or redirecting patients elsewhere.—
Eric J. Larson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Libra Saturn and Neptune pair up in your seventh house of partnership, which launches you into a ground-shifting new chapter within your one-on-one bonds—whether platonic, intimate, or professional.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
20 Feb. 2026
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As investors have witnessed capital shifting out of concentrated, high-valuation Mag 7 darlings, Dow constituents have enjoyed inflows as investors flock towards broader, higher-quality and inexpensive blue chips.—
Jeff Kilburg,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflecting. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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