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
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
The defense was even more toxic, with Caruso’s positioning and Cason Wallace’s deflections.
—Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 27 May 2026
The Jets had the best goalie on the planet, but the Avs broke them with a flurry of tips, deflections and screened shots that Connor Hellebuyck did not handle.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
While Jaquez did not provide the eye-popping scoring of some of her teammates, the wing brought a cool effectiveness to the defensive side of the ball while tallying a pair of assists and a handful of deflections.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
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
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
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
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 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
The Jets had the best goalie on the planet, but the Avs broke them with a flurry of tips, deflections and screened shots that Connor Hellebuyck did not handle.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
While Jaquez did not provide the eye-popping scoring of some of her teammates, the wing brought a cool effectiveness to the defensive side of the ball while tallying a pair of assists and a handful of deflections.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflections
deviations
Noun
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Epitaxial growth of SiC on wafers requires temperatures above 2732°F and precise precursor chemistry; even small process deviations can generate micropipe defects that render devices inoperable.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
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The application calls for neighborhood development and site development permits for work within the public right of way fronting 1595 Coast Walk, including deviations to allow a new driveway and for two existing guest parking spaces to remain.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflections.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflections. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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