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 State officials have said that the first facilities to divert water in the Strawberry Creek watershed were built in 1929, and the system expanded over the years as additional boreholes were drilled into the mountainside. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 But Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach now alleges the group’s executive director diverted those funds – and more than $11,000 in other donations – for personal benefit. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025 Over time, however, many states have diverted much, if not most, of that money to things other than cash aid for poor families. Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 2 May 2025 Andrade has been looking into the state’s decision to divert $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to the foundation. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
  • What others think sometimes irritates but mostly amuses us.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 6 May 2025
  • The panel seemed confused, and Cannon seemed amused, as Lucky Duck explained that both Coral and Boogie Woogie would be safe and heading to the finale.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump faced charges related to keeping hundreds of classified documents and refusing to turn them over to the FBI while Biden was under investigation for retaining classified documents.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • What began as a simple surprise quickly turned into a major production.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Critics suggested that Johnson timed the announcement to distract from the fact that he’d just been fined for attending a party in defiance of his own COVID restrictions, though the policy had been months in the making.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
  • Keep yourself occupied during the early days and weeks to distract your mind and heart.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Flanked by its banking advisors at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Robey Warshaw, ITV has reportedly been entertaining potential suitors since at least last November.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025
  • 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.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Happ’s oblique bothered him the most when attempting to swing.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • In between the European trips, Biden had swung back to the United States to be at home in Wilmington, Delaware, for the verdict of his son Hunter Biden's guns case trial.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The group went to dinner after the workout, where both sides remember regaling stories of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.
    Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
  • In 2019, Tom Hanks regaled Jimmy Kimmel Live with the story of how he was twice robbed as a 14-year-old vendor at Oakland A’s baseball games.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The building’s distinctive windows have a unique hood that provides shade while efficiently deflecting rainwater from the exterior, reducing the building’s energy needs for temperature control.
    Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 10 May 2025
  • Marchand’s shot hit Toronto defenseman Morgan Rielly’s arm and deflected into the goal for the Panthers’ 5-4 win.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • At the Motion Picture Association, studio leaders brainstormed ideas to redirect his attention.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • That’s money the district can redirect into the classroom, Spencer said during a presentation.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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