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
Slafkovský, who hadn’t scored since his hat trick in Game 1 against the Lightning, also shed some weight off his shoulders by deflecting a Hutson shot home just past the midway point of the second.
—
Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
This was improved even more by learning how to slope the armor to deflect incoming shells and dissipate the impact.
—David Szondy
may 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2026
On public safety concerns under her watch and the possibility of hiring more LAPD officers, Bass deflected.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
The torsion balance rod, with smaller masses attached to it, did indeed deflect as predicted.
—Big Think, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
This was improved even more by learning how to slope the armor to deflect incoming shells and dissipate the impact.
—David Szondy
may 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2026
On public safety concerns under her watch and the possibility of hiring more LAPD officers, Bass deflected.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
The torsion balance rod, with smaller masses attached to it, did indeed deflect as predicted.
—Big Think, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
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Professional commentators tended to see these developments in so many local terms—turning, for their explanations, to national histories, cultures and institutions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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The question turned into an accidental personality test, exposing some of each artist’s values.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Verb
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When Bz points north, Earth’s field resists it; when Bz swings south, the two fields connect, allowing plasma to stream in.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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In a matter of hours, the South Korean Kospi swung from a fresh record high, above the 8,000 milestone, to a 6% loss.—
Katie Foley,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Murdaugh is arrested on felony charges, accused of diverting millions of dollars away from the estate of Satterfield, the housekeeper.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
13 May 2026
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Yet the state is facing its own tight budget, and legislators are unlikely to divert a substantial amount of additional cash.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Saudi Arabia and the UAE have redirected some exports to ports that bypass Hormuz, the IEA said.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
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At the time the alert was received, a 920th Rescue Wing HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter crew had already been airborne conducting a training mission at the time and was redirected to assist in the search and rescue effort.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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There’s also a menu of small snacks, with mezzes like hummus, tzatziki, whipped feta, falafel, halloumi, artichoke and eggplant.—
Connie Ogle
May 15,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
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The one-time Ducks first-round draft pick whipped a shot through traffic from just above the slot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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