as in turns
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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Recent Examples of deflects
Rue questions the nature of Jules’s relationship, but Jules deflects.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Christian therapists now widely condemn this as spiritual gaslighting that deflects accountability and compounds trauma.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
But Herb deflects any praise that comes his way.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
Takyiwaa Manuh, an emerita professor at the University of Ghana, argues that targeting the LGBTQ community deflects attention from issues of poor governance.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
Yas deflects her concerns as naivete.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
The Attorney General of the United States deflects and denies.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
In each case, economic performance risks becoming a rhetorical shield — one that deflects scrutiny from actions that undermine democratic norms and constitutional principles.
—Kenneth Zagacki, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Brobbey flicks the ball into the path of Diarra, who carries it into the vacated space, before his shot deflects off Axel Tuanzebe and gives Sunderland the lead.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Christian therapists now widely condemn this as spiritual gaslighting that deflects accountability and compounds trauma.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
But Herb deflects any praise that comes his way.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
Takyiwaa Manuh, an emerita professor at the University of Ghana, argues that targeting the LGBTQ community deflects attention from issues of poor governance.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
Yas deflects her concerns as naivete.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
The Attorney General of the United States deflects and denies.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
In each case, economic performance risks becoming a rhetorical shield — one that deflects scrutiny from actions that undermine democratic norms and constitutional principles.
—Kenneth Zagacki, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Brobbey flicks the ball into the path of Diarra, who carries it into the vacated space, before his shot deflects off Axel Tuanzebe and gives Sunderland the lead.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflects
Verb
-
With the highest peaks running in a chain along the east side of the island, Sardinia resolutely turns its back to the mainland.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
-
The retailer’s latest edit turns the spotlight on Leset, the beloved label known for its effortlessly cool wardrobe staples.—
Irina Grechko,
Vogue,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The pendulum always swings in Minnesota.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The public discussion still swings between utopian promise and apocalyptic dread.—
Barry R. Davis,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Using proprietary technology, such as its allocation engine, Debrand facilitates the management of unsellable inventory and returns—something the Canadian hub said diverts textile waste from landfills and promotes circularity in the fashion industry, as evidenced by the brand case studies.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Both charming decoration and functional solution, the rain chain diverts rainwater from the roof and gutters, transforming it into a beautiful water feature.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Nikki Glaser whips out her silver sparkly bag for the Night of Too Many Stars event presented by Netflix Is a Joke in Los Angeles on May 7.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
The ride travels on an elliptical track and whips riders around bends.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
If a legal order redirects part of those earnings elsewhere, your paycheck can shrink, quietly but significantly, and in some cases, without much warning.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Where artists like Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby pushed the instrument inventively into mostly instrumental jazz, Davis redirects it toward a more singer-songwriterly inwardness.—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Essie’s Mint Candy Apple captures that creamy green-blue finish, while Essie's Turquoise and Caicos veers more sage-esque in color.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Indeed, its approach often veers from intriguing to grating at times.—
Charles Lewis III,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflects. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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