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
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Recent Examples of deflection
Johnston then spoiled a brilliant 32-save performance by Wallstedt with his deflection.
—
CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
These include net deflections and unusual ball trajectories.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
These concerns deserve serious attention, not deflection.
—Katherine “kitty” Donovan, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Spurs need to be lucky too, with injuries, decisions, deflections and little details — precisely the things that have gone against them for so long.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
These include net deflections and unusual ball trajectories.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
These concerns deserve serious attention, not deflection.
—Katherine “kitty” Donovan, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Spurs need to be lucky too, with injuries, decisions, deflections and little details — precisely the things that have gone against them for so long.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflection
Noun
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In a deviation from standard protocol, that mission's Crew-11 predecessors had departed before the new astronauts' arrival due to an unprecedented medical evacuation.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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Compared to humans, Douglas captures photos from the exact same coordinates every day, allowing AI software to track progress and spot any deviations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The 38-year-old was hired as the club’s new under-21s coach from Southampton’s academy last summer and then promoted to Rosenior’s backroom staff after impressing in a two-game spell at the helm following Enzo Maresca’s departure in January.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflection. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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