as in deviations
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 deflections
Given the highly turbulent nature of the solar atmosphere, researchers are now examining whether similar variations in type III burst drift rates could be driven by magnetic irregularities, including switchbacks or broader field deflections.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Thomas Harley was diving toward the net, Wyatt Johnston was hunting for deflections, Miro Heiskanen was weaving in and out of traffic.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Presented annually since 2016-17, 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, 30 Apr. 2026
After a few days of awkward deflections and a viral PR shutdown, Paige Bueckers finally addressed the topic everyone has been dancing around — her romantic relationship with Azzi Fudd.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Had 10 pass deflections in 2025 and five interceptions in 2024, and could be a developmental ball-hawk behind Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones (the latter of which is on an expiring deal).
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
In 2025, Moore combined for 35 tackles and two tackles for loss to go three pass deflections and two interceptions.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
But such deflections come too easily for Villanueva.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026
Davidson had 137 tackles, five sacks, six pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in four seasons with ASU.
—Matthew Davis, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Thomas Harley was diving toward the net, Wyatt Johnston was hunting for deflections, Miro Heiskanen was weaving in and out of traffic.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Presented annually since 2016-17, 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, 30 Apr. 2026
After a few days of awkward deflections and a viral PR shutdown, Paige Bueckers finally addressed the topic everyone has been dancing around — her romantic relationship with Azzi Fudd.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Had 10 pass deflections in 2025 and five interceptions in 2024, and could be a developmental ball-hawk behind Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones (the latter of which is on an expiring deal).
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
In 2025, Moore combined for 35 tackles and two tackles for loss to go three pass deflections and two interceptions.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
But such deflections come too easily for Villanueva.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026
Davidson had 137 tackles, five sacks, six pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in four seasons with ASU.
—Matthew Davis, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflections
deviations
Noun
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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
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The platform’s new AI agent, René, allows dispatchers and fleet managers to investigate operational inefficiencies through simple conversational queries, identifying the root causes of issues like excessive overtime or route deviations.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflections.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflections. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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