as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something)
the wind deflected the Frisbee just as I was about to lunge for it
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deflect
The ball deflected off Austin and was snatched out of the air by Seattle Seahawks defensive back Derion Kendrick.
—
Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
But that valid concern cannot become a shield used to deflect from real and rising threats.
—Andrew Weinstein, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Fixed a bug where Executor could not use pre-inputs for actions after deflecting an enemy attack with the Cursed Sword under certain circumstances.
—Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
This can be a pre-emptive measure to deflect criticism of the relationship.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
But that valid concern cannot become a shield used to deflect from real and rising threats.
—Andrew Weinstein, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Fixed a bug where Executor could not use pre-inputs for actions after deflecting an enemy attack with the Cursed Sword under certain circumstances.
—Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
This can be a pre-emptive measure to deflect criticism of the relationship.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
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He was arrested following a 33-hour manhunt after his parents recognized surveillance images of the suspect released by police and convinced him, with the help of a family friend, to turn himself in.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
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Also, the tensions between Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Iyo could result in the latter turning heel on Vaquer during or after the match for the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That kind of dexterity is apparent in the footwork, one of those features that can swing matches when the going gets tough.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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After the Blue Jays swung a trade to bring in Shane Bieber at this season's deadline, Edward Eng of FanSided's Jays Journal predicted the team would turn to him as a long-term replacement while letting Max Scherzer walk this winter.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The study also found that nearly half the respondents — highest on record — had diverted investments planned for China to other regions, primarily Southeast Asia.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
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However, those meetings will coincide with anti-Trump demonstrations that could divert attention away from the diplomatic business at hand.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, there has been the occasional homeless person who wanders onto the property and needs to be redirected or community member who wants to attend the mass, not realizing the service is for the school kids only.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Skills can be redirected toward defending instead of attacking.—
Chris Wysopal,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The tight end completed a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a 37-yard score in the fourth quarter and whipped out some moves in the end zone to celebrate.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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People also experimented with brown sugar, oat milk, or whipped foam to mimic the cookie’s sweetness and texture.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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