DEFLECTION Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

deflection

noun

di-ˈflek-shən

as in deviation

a turning away from a course or standard a stern father who would not tolerate the slightest deflection from the strict moral code that he imposed on his children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adherence

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 deflection It’s been presented annually since 2016-17, and the recipient is determined by a statistical formula incorporating the metrics of deflections, loose balls recovered, charges drawn, screen assists, contested shots and box outs. —

Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026 Not West lining up to throw Ben under the bus…hello, deflection! —

Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 May 2026 The defense was even more toxic, with Caruso’s positioning and Cason Wallace’s deflections. —

Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Federico Bernardeschi leveled just three minutes later and Bologna took the lead shortly before halftime when Tommaso Pobega’s volley took a double deflection. —

ABC News, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflection

Noun

Slavery, in their telling, was not a system on which the country was built, but a deviation from the immutable truths on which it was founded.

— Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
Inside his brilliance lies a complex vibrato, leading to the richest of articulated vocals, even some soulful deviation that lean towards hints of melisma.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 1 June 2026