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
  • As Nix rehabbed from his second surgery, while also enjoying his new role as a first-time father following the birth of his daughter Riley, he was amused by a fervor sprouting across social media or on radio talk shows about his operation and the recovery that followed.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The process of arranging dinner amused and intimidated me.
    Matthew Kassel, HollywoodReporter, 13 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
  • During the conversation, the individuals attempted to distract the woman by putting jewelry on her.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • These plants either repel slugs and snails or distract the pests from your garden crops.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 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
  • The pendulum never really swung away from maximizing shareholder value.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The turnover swung the momentum in Minnesota’s favor.
    Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • One morning earlier this week, Thomas Lupo, the president and CEO of the American Wood Column Corporation, was in his office regaling two young entrepreneurs with tales of his 110-year-old family business.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 12 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 26 Jun. 2026.

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