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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of divert
If the Olathe City Council approves the ordinance, the city would agree to divert any local sales tax revenue generated on the site not committed to other uses for the next 30 years.
—
Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
After the Spurs departed North Carolina on Sunday morning, however, their plane was diverted to Atlanta because of a minor equipment issue, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
But Jonathan, Teddy and Angela’s plan to divert Roper’s purchase of an electromagnetic pulse device meant to plunge South America into chaos is thwarted when Roper catches on to Teddy’s love for Jonathan.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Significant portions are diverted to lawyers’ fees and financial backers, while taxpayers shoulder the cost for decades through reduced services, higher taxes – or both.
—Jaime Huff, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divert
Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
After the Spurs departed North Carolina on Sunday morning, however, their plane was diverted to Atlanta because of a minor equipment issue, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
But Jonathan, Teddy and Angela’s plan to divert Roper’s purchase of an electromagnetic pulse device meant to plunge South America into chaos is thwarted when Roper catches on to Teddy’s love for Jonathan.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Significant portions are diverted to lawyers’ fees and financial backers, while taxpayers shoulder the cost for decades through reduced services, higher taxes – or both.
—Jaime Huff, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
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Trump’s frenetic social media activity is also aimed more at titillating his hardcore online supporters (and, again, amusing himself) than persuading swing voters.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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In short, Altman may say he was amused by Anthropic’s latest slight, but given his heated rhetoric, the gloves are starting to come off.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Michelle Williams turned heads in a sheer black gown that featured a structured bodice with delicate straps and a dramatic black tulle train.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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Newsom appears to be trying a more aggressive strategy that his team hopes can work to turn negative stories to his advantage.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Of course, any intense media scrutiny risks being distracting, especially when it is not directly related to the work of the foundation.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Even if she’s never found criminally liable, this case is almost certain to distract her from her duties.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There was an offer which could have reached €40m for the Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, but the Belgian club, too, did not entertain a departure.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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From home entertaining to everyday snacking, savory flavors are officially having a moment in 2026.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Rocky peaks rise sharply from the valley floor, spanning elevations and pockets of habitat that can swing from sweltering to snowing in a single day.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Except Fresno State issued a coach’s challenge, claiming Green had swung his arm and hit his defender in the neck.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ninny regales Evelyn with tales of Idgi, her sister-in-law and friend who used to run the Whistle Stop Cafe, a restaurant on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, that served good coffee, better barbecue, and great gossip.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
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Ricky also visited Sydney a few weeks ago, and decided to regale us with all of his strangest koala facts.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The puck barely deflected off Rantanen’s stick before going in the net.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
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After the teams traded field goals on their first overtime possessions, Kuechly picked off Luck on a pass deflected by Roman Harper.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In addition to redirecting SpaceX profits to fund xAI’s hefty infrastructure costs, there’s a bevy of legal risks and regulatory concerns that come with the new company.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
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Lukas Dostal was 4 1/2 minutes from Anaheim’s first shutout in 137 games when Jordan Eberle redirected Jared McCann’s slap shot in front for his team-high 20th goal.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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