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 organization receives food and pantry items from grocery stores, restaurants, distribution centers and warehouses — diverting them from the landfill and giving them to community members. — Taylor O'Connor 29, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Thermal energy from the steam systems is also diverted to supply heat to nearby municipal networks. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

The commission alleges Cloth and his company raised more than $500 million from investors for various film and television projects, and then diverted $70 million of the funds to other uses, like repaying earlier investors. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

The purpose of using vinegar is not to kill pests but more to divert them, which is something that other pesticides do not do. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 28 July 2026