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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 deflect
People naturally protect themselves from feeling guilty or wrong, often deflecting or projecting their own emotions onto the other.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Kunai and other projectiles can be deflected, and most enemies or airborne traps can be parried by jumping into them, then pressing jump again.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
During a practice on April 4, Lester deflected a pass into the air that was eventually picked off by Namdi Obiazor.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2025
Built in the 17th century, the national monument is made of native coquina stones, which absorbed or deflected enemy projectiles, giving the Spanish an advantage.
—Kara Franker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Kunai and other projectiles can be deflected, and most enemies or airborne traps can be parried by jumping into them, then pressing jump again.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
During a practice on April 4, Lester deflected a pass into the air that was eventually picked off by Namdi Obiazor.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2025
Built in the 17th century, the national monument is made of native coquina stones, which absorbed or deflected enemy projectiles, giving the Spanish an advantage.
—Kara Franker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
-
There’s a camera grip that also attaches to the bottom of the case to turn the whole setup into something resembling a camera.—
Ben Sin,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Victor Ponta, a former leftist prime minister who has turned conservative nationalist, is ranked fourth but could prove a dark horse.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 127-85 in the collective fourth quarters, a decisive advantage that swung several games in the series.—
Jovan Buha,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
In the markets Chinese and Hong Kong stocks swung between gains and losses in a choppy session on Wednesday.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Welch diverted a large portion of the loan money for the personal benefit of the couple, according to court documents.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Those hotels have hospitality standards on par with many of the finest in the world, but no alcohol is served, with focus instead diverted to food, coffee, and experiences.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, and excess energy can be redirected into movement (exercise), mindfulness, or strategic thinking.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
Legislators may also take up legislation this year to shave off some of the tax revenue the state currently collects from property insurers and redirect it toward a grant program for fire-resistant roofs and vegetation management work.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
That means the weather was ripe for fire, and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour quickly whipped the fire toward inhabited areas.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Lemony whipped ricotta teams up with sweet roasted beets in this vibrant spring salad.—
Wire Report,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share