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 The firm’s data is showing a notable event occurred between early Sunday and early Monday, when at least six vessels — two very large crude carriers, three chemical tankers, and one refined products carrier—diverted their courses away from the Strait of Hormuz. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 23 June 2025 When immigration officials proceeded anyway, the plane was diverted to a U.S. naval base in Djibouti, where the migrants were housed in a converted shipping container under harsh conditions as legal advocates awaited updates. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 In August 2024, the airline cancelled or diverted the flight three days in a row, according to SFGATE. Colson Thayer, People.com, 23 June 2025 The state is reviving a tax amnesty program and diverting $137 million from the road fund to cover state employee health benefits, a move analysts warn could weaken long-term infrastructure funding. Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
  • Joe Marinelli, the veteran character actor who amused and attracted admirers as the cross-dressing mobster Bunny Tagliatti on the NBC soap opera Santa Barbara, has died.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025
  • Apparently, the League was not amused when the Stanley Cup was dunked into seawater.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The former athlete posted a pair of throwback photos on his Instagram Stories in honor of the Prince of Wales turning 43 on June 21.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 June 2025
  • And proves once again that Southerners can turn almost anything into a dip.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Shepherding that split to reality will leave WBD leadership distracted for a year, Martin estimated.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Cho, as the perceptive and generous Jin, distracted from his own family troubles by the sudden flashes of Casey’s bright light, is wise and rejuvenated; disinterested admiration makes this man, who looks to be in his forties, nearly a teen-ager again.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Being able to bring authentic mental health stories to life in a way that both resonates and entertains is an increasingly valuable skill, and one that can set you apart in today’s media landscape.
    Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Hairpin turns and stressful pit stops go a long way toward entertaining F1 fans and neophytes alike, though melodrama and a bloated run time put the brakes on what should be a film that zips.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The next step, Thomson said, is to get Harper outside Friday to throw more and swing off a tee.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Telfar bags swung next to kente cloth wraps, and authors like Clarence Haynes signed copies of his new novel, The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, as lines snaked through the crowds.
    Essence, Essence, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • These experts regaled the audience with historical facts and anecdotes about masterpieces from the heritage house of Cartier, which has amassed one of the world’s most artistically and historically important jewelry archives.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • And yes, some plastic surgeons are apt to regale you with tales of their bespoke extended, vertical vector, composite flap, scarless, mystery, reset lift.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The Argentine forward couldn’t believe his luck when Jhon Arias’ deflected cross dropped to him in the six-yard box.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In the sixth, down 2-1, Ward led off the bottom half with a double, on a ground ball deflected by a diving attempt by Nationals third baseman Brady House.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • After completing their primary missions, both were redirected to explore the outer reaches of the Solar System.
    Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025
  • These services have been against Meta’s policies for a while now, but Crush AI continually avoided detection by making new profiles on the company's ad tools and using domains that redirected to a different URL.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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