Synonyms of divert

divert

verb

də-ˈvərt 

1

as in to amuse

to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied

a light comedy to divert the tired business executive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• amuse
• entertain
• regale
• distract
• occupy
• appease
• delight
• solace
• busy
• please
• engross
• engage
• involve
• interest
• immerse
• disport
• captivate
• console
• hypnotize
• enchant
• placate
• absorb
• beguile
• indulge
• charm
• comfort
• bewitch
• spoil
• fascinate
• gratify
• pamper
• pacify
• intrigue
• propitiate
• enthrall
• mollify
• soothe
• mesmerize
• pleasure
• conciliate
• humor
• content
• coddle
• oblige
• grip
• mollycoddle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• drain
• wear
• exhaust
• weary
• wear out
• harass
• disturb
• aggravate
• annoy
• bother
• perturb
• tire
• upset
• fatigue
• pester
• jade
• enervate
• exasperate
• vex
• bug
• irk
• pique
• harry
• fret
• grate
• gall
• chafe
• peeve
• nettle

2

as in to turn

to change the course or direction of (something)

the bike race was diverted around the construction zone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• turn
• swing
• deflect
• redirect
• whip
• veer
• shift
• move
• wheel
• avert
• deviate
• switch
• whirl
• sidetrack
• rechannel
• shunt
• transfer
• swivel
• swerve
• sway
• curve
• twist
• reverse
• turn back
• bend
• zigzag

3

as in to distract

to draw the attention or mind to something else

trying to divert the child with a toy while the doctor was giving her a shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distract
• detract
• throw off
• abstract
• amuse
• entertain
• call off
• stray
• wander
• beguile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• focus
• concentrate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divert different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

In what contexts can amuse take the place of divert?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When would entertain be a good substitute for divert?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of divert

The Atlantic recently reported that funds have been further diverted to the president’s renovation projects, including upgrades to the White House. — Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Fery, a virtually unknown British wild card with a triple-digit ranking, has become the emotional heartbeat of Wimbledon while legitimately diverting some national attention from England’s World Cup quest. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Kusturica becomes the latest in a rapidly growing pool of overseas talent diverting to America to play Division I college basketball to increase exposure and financial prosperity. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 9 July 2026

The drugs are also being diverted for purely aesthetic use, accelerating abuse within problematic diet cultures. — Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026