DEFLECTION Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

deflection

noun

di-ˈflek-shən

Definition of deflection

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 Tillman buried his shot past legendary Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois thanks to a deflection off one of Belgium’s defenders. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026 Cape Verde nearly upset the defending champions before a Lionel Messi corner kick made its way into the goal off a deflection from Diney Borges, which sealed the 3-2 victory for Argentina in extra time. — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 The ball, with the help of an errant Bosnian clearance attempt and a deflection, found Balogun in the box. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Toure had three tackles for loss, two sacks and six pass deflections. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflection

Noun

In this model, the deterministic layer executes those rules without deviation.

— Binny Gill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
For all the culture-war debates about the liberties Nolan took in his casting, his most radical deviation from the text has to do with agency and who has it.

— Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of deviation

Noun

One employee took responsibility for not catching the boys’ early and unapproved departure.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
And that made his recent comments about former Blue Jays coach Don Mattingly especially noteworthy, as his departure for the Philadelphia Phillies has raised questions about whether the Blue Jays batting order can succeed without him.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of departure

Browse Nearby Words

deflecting

deflection

deflections

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflection. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deflection

noun

Example Sentences

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