Definition of divertnext

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of divert This issue is now exacerbated by AI's voracious demand for memory, diverting supply from consumer electronics due to higher profitability. Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The star of this hair oil is Alpha Keratin 60ku, Virtue’s proprietary protein that functions as a train conductor directing and diverting repair to split ends, weak strands, and fragile follicles. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Subsidies get diverted When the prices farmers receive for certain crops fall below a certain threshold, or when farmers suffer losses from bad weather or unexpected trade disputes, the Department of Agriculture has a multitude of programs that offer payments to make up the difference. Julie Dawson, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 The flight, which originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was headed to Chicago, was diverted to Miami, where the man was arrested. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
  • But even in hard times, there are things to amuse us.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • In the hour-long special, taped the Skirball in New York City in March, Barone aims to shock, amuse, and arouse.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • By building circuits whose states naturally fluctuate with this environmental heat, thermodynamic computing turns an otherwise stochastic and chaotic feature of nature into an incredibly fast, ultra-low-energy calculator.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Lestat is basically in Hell; having turned Nicky, he is now forever severed from him mentally, while Nicky’s mental state continues to deteriorate.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Smart leaders audit what’s truly profitable, cut distracting growth channels and rebuild around operational clarity, not just revenue velocity.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • If a robot starts patrolling your local garage, mall, park or transit hub, do not get distracted by the cool tech factor.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • These series are designed to entertain and intrigue viewers, while letting advertisers spur purchases and sales,.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Any behavior requires a coordinated action across the brain—swing a baseball bat, complete a math problem—and the more the action is repeated, the more the associated neural pathways will strengthen.
    James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Ryan returned the favor in the fourth, getting Dalton Rushing, Freeland and Ohtani to all swing and miss.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Knowledgeable docents regale guests with stories about the Ingalls family, residents of the hotel, and the town, and also point out artifacts from pioneer-era life during 45-60 minute tours.
    Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026
  • Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Crépeau's block deflected the ball back to Breel Embolo, who took a second shot.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • The younger Carricarte, much like his father, deflected praise and shined credit on others.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Firefighters got out of the rig and then redirected it around the Waymo as cars stopped nearby moved to allow the firetruck to pass.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Domestication redirected this innate wiring; dogs now view their human household as their essential group.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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