1
as in amused
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
a light comedy to divert the tired business executive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turned
to change the course or direction of (something)
the bike race was diverted around the construction zone
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in distracted
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diverted
An echo of that earlier outrage followed the revelations of the Epstein files, though this round has so far been diverted into mutual partisan recrimination, more than the focus on institutional changes that characterized those earlier movements.
—
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
When a significant portion of rent revenue is diverted to taxes, that money is unavailable for heat, hot water, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities.
—Kenny Burgos, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Money that should be reinvested into improving services and expanding operations is instead diverted to legal defense and settlements, especially in a system where these cases rarely, if ever, go before a jury.
—Nick Payzant, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026
The candidate diverted funds for personal use, including Las Vegas trips and legal defense against a stalking charge, channeling money through his mother and a friend to conceal the fraud.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
The helicopter was then diverted to Morelia International Airport, where an Air Force plane was waiting to take them to Mexico City.
—Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also reported diverted or canceled flights over the weekend.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
The Montclair-Boonton and Gladstone Branch are diverted to Hoboken.
—Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Traffic was diverted away from the area, but there was no danger to the public, Gonzalez said.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
When a significant portion of rent revenue is diverted to taxes, that money is unavailable for heat, hot water, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities.
—Kenny Burgos, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Money that should be reinvested into improving services and expanding operations is instead diverted to legal defense and settlements, especially in a system where these cases rarely, if ever, go before a jury.
—Nick Payzant, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026
The candidate diverted funds for personal use, including Las Vegas trips and legal defense against a stalking charge, channeling money through his mother and a friend to conceal the fraud.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
The helicopter was then diverted to Morelia International Airport, where an Air Force plane was waiting to take them to Mexico City.
—Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also reported diverted or canceled flights over the weekend.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
The Montclair-Boonton and Gladstone Branch are diverted to Hoboken.
—Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Traffic was diverted away from the area, but there was no danger to the public, Gonzalez said.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverted
Verb
-
Some leaders, producers and directors were not amused by Goldberg, saying her remarks were insulting and dismissive of a serious fight to gain diversity within the motion picture industry.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The Davidson coach was not amused, though.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For Black artists — particularly the two Black actors standing on a global stage — hearing it in that setting, and then watching it be broadcast into homes, turned into a meme and shared on social media, carries a weight that does not disappear simply because the source lacked intent.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Appearing Sunday on Fox News, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent turned a debate over tariff revenue into yet another admonishment, only this time, the target of his ire had recently turned out championing the role of tariffs in improving the country’s fiscal outlook.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the table is so congested that putting any kind of winning run together could make a real difference while the teams above them are distracted by European commitments.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Clearly, that’s to capture those kids still off from school versus the fall, when they’re distracted with myriad school activities.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The actor's Club Cumming was seriously entertained one night with the help of some high-profile guests.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Eventually, though, the pendulum swung the other way, as the chunky, shell-toed shoe fell out of fashion, making way for the the return of the streamlined Samba.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Cue bedlam as the momentum swung decisively Wrexham’s way in a title race that had seen both teams already reach 100 points.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Cheers alum regaled how his mom showed up on set of Indecent Proposal squealing like a 16-year old in her fandom of Redford, who warmly received her.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2026
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While the team behind KPop Demon Hunters walked to the stage to accept the award for Best Motion Picture - Animated at the 2026 Golden Globes, announcers Marc Malkin and Kevin Frazier regaled the audience with facts about the film and its win.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Messi was visibly frustrated after the match, giving an earful to the referees and following them into a hallway before teammate Luis Suarez wisely redirected him to avoid further confrontation.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
In the past, Instagram has blocked search results and redirected users to mental health resources instead.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The merest departure from orthodoxy whipped its theologians into a lather.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Stuck in his backhand corner, Altmaier was on defense as Lajović whipped an inside-out forehand crosscourt.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diverted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverted. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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