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

There's much more, but this is a taster of how much money and time the partnership divert back into the area. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

That was part of the fallout of the Hope Florida scandal, in which the DeSantis administration secretly diverted millions in state dollars to fighting 2024 ballot initiatives. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026

And focusing on Marilyn and a bathing suit, and calling that exploitation sort of diverts the conversation away from where she actually was exploited. —Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026

Midtown Direct service was diverted to Hoboken. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 1 June 2026