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
This drove up payments to charter schools by more than 3,000% from 1999 to 2014 and diverted funds away from district schools that still needed to maintain fixed costs, such as utilities, staffing and building improvements.
—
Julia McWilliams, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Jurors concluded that LaPierre and others diverted millions of dollars from the organization for personal travel and expenses, as well as no-show contracts used to buy people’s silence.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 4 June 2026
There is between $41 and $43 million sitting in that account right now, and if it doesn’t get spent in 10 years, it gets diverted.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Traffic was diverted at 47th Avenue.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Adrenaline speeds up peristalsis, the contractions and constrictions of the intestines, while blood is diverted from the digestive system, which can cause nausea.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026
In an unsuccessful lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives, Elon Musk, an OpenAI co-founder, claimed the company diverted from its founding mission to make more money.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Due to the altercation, the flight diverted to Miami International Airport.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026
The Netflix series − inspired by the 1981 film of the same name, starring Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno − diverted from the movie's plotline by killing Nick (Carell) in a car crash in Season 1.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Julia McWilliams, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Jurors concluded that LaPierre and others diverted millions of dollars from the organization for personal travel and expenses, as well as no-show contracts used to buy people’s silence.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 4 June 2026
There is between $41 and $43 million sitting in that account right now, and if it doesn’t get spent in 10 years, it gets diverted.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Traffic was diverted at 47th Avenue.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Adrenaline speeds up peristalsis, the contractions and constrictions of the intestines, while blood is diverted from the digestive system, which can cause nausea.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026
In an unsuccessful lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives, Elon Musk, an OpenAI co-founder, claimed the company diverted from its founding mission to make more money.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Due to the altercation, the flight diverted to Miami International Airport.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026
The Netflix series − inspired by the 1981 film of the same name, starring Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno − diverted from the movie's plotline by killing Nick (Carell) in a car crash in Season 1.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverted
Verb
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apparently isn’t amused by a new board game that pokes fun at the Oklahoma City Thunder star’s reputation for garnering foul calls at the hint of contact by an opposing player.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
As Paula finally reaches Detective Gonzalez and excitedly chatters about her wire transfer ruse, the wry officer isn’t amused.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In April, the Grammy winner turned 75 and posted photos on Instagram from a birthday bash showing him surrounded by friends and family.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
Eco effort Bottled water comes from a well on site, food waste is turned into compost for the garden and the hotel works with local producers to reduce food miles as much as possible.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
With Cargill distracted, Ripley went on the offensive.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
Before his interview with IndieWire can begin, Charles Melton becomes distracted by a wayward eyelash.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Turn mealtime into braintime with this interactive puzzle toy that keeps dogs engaged, entertained and mentally stimulated.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
-
The couple reportedly entertained famous friends there.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Rice swung at the first pitch from left-hander Noah Cameron, a four-seam fastball, to hit a triple that took an awkward bounce off the left field wall and scattered away from Royals left fielder Isaac Collins past the foul line.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
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The company has also swung its strategy widely, from an embrace of low-carbon business lines to a hard pivot back to oil and gas.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The excitement continued with a visit from none other than Indiana Jones played by Choco Clotfelter, who regaled the students with tales of the railroads, travel, and the founding of the Del Mar Fair.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
Now regaled to one wall, the kitchen boasts even more counter space, as well as overhead cabinetry and an adjacent eating nook.—
Nicolas Milon,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have redirected oil exports via the East-West and Habshan-Fujairah pipelines respectively.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Pets and children are especially curious and should be redirected or kept away from the jellyfish.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
As conquerers of the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks have whipped all five boroughs into a frenzy.—
Esfandiar Baraheni,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Costume bit the tenant’s hands and cheek during the struggle, then whipped a knife out of his pocket and stabbed the tenant in the back of the neck, the tenant said.—
Julian Roberts-Grmela,
New York Daily News,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diverted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverted. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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