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
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
Richard played three games in 2025, making six tackles with one sack and two pass deflections.
—
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Creuzot has highlighted his office’s work on criminal justice reforms, including establishing deflection centers to steer people with mental illness to treatment instead of jail, reducing juvenile detention and prioritizing conviction integrity and exoneration.
—Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Learn about astronomy at the Cincinnati Observatory Enroll in Planetary Defense 101 for an informal education class on asteroid deflection and mitigation.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Jan. 2026
Cole Bishop then landed the game-sealing pick off Tre’Davious White’s pass deflection.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Creuzot has highlighted his office’s work on criminal justice reforms, including establishing deflection centers to steer people with mental illness to treatment instead of jail, reducing juvenile detention and prioritizing conviction integrity and exoneration.
—Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Learn about astronomy at the Cincinnati Observatory Enroll in Planetary Defense 101 for an informal education class on asteroid deflection and mitigation.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Jan. 2026
Cole Bishop then landed the game-sealing pick off Tre’Davious White’s pass deflection.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflection
Noun
-
Any statistical deviations from the predictions of the Standard Model could signify the involvement of unknown elementary particles.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
26 Jan. 2026
-
This improves inspection consistency and enables early identification of deviations without interrupting ongoing operations.—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
However, the consistent arctic air masses have driven our actual average down to just 15 degrees, a full 10-degree departure from the norm.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Also on Saturday, airlines cancelled 35 departures (83%) from Northwest Arkansas National Airport and 34 arrivals (89%).—
Anne Li,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflection. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
