as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment
some tall and diverting tales were told by the festival's roving storyteller
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in entertaining
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
a light comedy to divert the tired business executive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turning
to change the course or direction of (something)
the bike race was diverted around the construction zone
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in distracting
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diverting
BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2021
The plan also would call for constant testing of players and staff, which could mean diverting resources from public health care.
—Nick Piecoro, azcentral, 6 Apr. 2020
Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—Jonah Engel Bromwich, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016
Per The New York Times: Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 10 Oct. 2016
Both popular and science media show an outsized fondness for brain imaging studies, inspiring much work more diverting than informative.
—David Dobbs, WIRED, 4 July 2006
Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Goldman Sachs says surging investment in AI among the S&P 500 companies is diverting funds from stock buybacks, halting their usual yearly growth.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
And diverting and redirecting waste from landfills, whether through recycling or reusing, boosts crew morale on film sets.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
But the rail authority has argued that, in the long-term, a train system would save money by diverting travelers away from roads and airports.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Twenty-six percent of HR time is consumed by leave management activities, diverting critical resources from strategic initiatives.
—Anant Agarwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The Taliban was and still is adept at infiltrating aid organizations and diverting aid to fill their coffers.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, local politicians have worried diverting resources could leave their district understaffed.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Researchers think long runs may stress the gut—diverting blood flow and affecting bacteria—but more studies are needed.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
But you were also treated to a diverting and delightful narrative, rich with insider’s lore.
—BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2021
The plan also would call for constant testing of players and staff, which could mean diverting resources from public health care.
—Nick Piecoro, azcentral, 6 Apr. 2020
Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—Jonah Engel Bromwich, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016
Per The New York Times: Judging by comments on social media, many of those who tuned in found Mr. Bone to be the most diverting thing about the debate.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 10 Oct. 2016
Both popular and science media show an outsized fondness for brain imaging studies, inspiring much work more diverting than informative.
—David Dobbs, WIRED, 4 July 2006
Verb
The suit accuses Haman of running an online retailer, Quba Pro Inc, that allegedly defrauded Cornerstone by raising money in a financing agreement and diverting the funds.
—Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Goldman Sachs says surging investment in AI among the S&P 500 companies is diverting funds from stock buybacks, halting their usual yearly growth.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
And diverting and redirecting waste from landfills, whether through recycling or reusing, boosts crew morale on film sets.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
But the rail authority has argued that, in the long-term, a train system would save money by diverting travelers away from roads and airports.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Twenty-six percent of HR time is consumed by leave management activities, diverting critical resources from strategic initiatives.
—Anant Agarwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The Taliban was and still is adept at infiltrating aid organizations and diverting aid to fill their coffers.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, local politicians have worried diverting resources could leave their district understaffed.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Researchers think long runs may stress the gut—diverting blood flow and affecting bacteria—but more studies are needed.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverting
Adjective
-
Fletcher and Jolly win audience love here, and Allen’s naked ambition to become sheriff is quite amusing.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This is amusing but understandable; in an era where commodity fetishism has turned analog, low-budget cinema into something aspirational, Jenkin has made no compromises for accessibility.—
Sam Bodrojan,
IndieWire,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ripe figs are the star of this sophisticated salad, perfect for entertaining guests.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Apart from one shocking death (when Tranter switches from neutralizing bombs up close to eliminating threats with his long-range rifle), the action is entertaining enough in the moment, but not especially memorable.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The crowd takes it all in wearing headphones with green lights, turning the night into a kind of silent disco in a scene straight out of Mad Max.—
David Hochman,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The Andante cantabile offers benevolence tinged with shadow, its harmonies turning suddenly ominous.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This combination lends itself to transitions from focus to out of focus and background blur (bokeh) that's smooth and free of distracting elements.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Sep. 2025
-
In class, Danny continues to be disorderly, challenging Maria’s authority, throwing stuff when angry, completely distracting and even frightening the other students.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There are so many fun home decor in Pottery Barn’s clearance section for less than $50, including candle holders, faux plants, and even (some) bedding.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
-
That's a really fun show to work on.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 21-time PGA Tour winner engaged a small group on a practice green, going over technique, drills and flatstick psychology while also regaling them with stories about golf greats—like how keeping an eye on the hole helped Beth Daniel transform her putting game.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
On the way back to her workstation after the 0830 all clear, Masako indulged this innocent conceit by regaling some of her Kenjo coworkers with a claim about her father’s apparently magical ability to protect himself and his family from American bombs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
His commercials have graced Southwest Ohio TVs over the last two decades and inspired Reddit posts, Halloween costumes and even a surprisingly enjoyable lo-fi musical remix on YouTube.—
Otto Rabe,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The best and most enjoyable habit to maintain a healthy, thriving garden is a daily garden walk.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Boaters were the last to be warned to watch the sky as a line of wind-whipping storms pushed out to sea.—
Joe Dwinell,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Golden State usually opens games whipping the ball around and making teams uncomfortable with its aggressive style of defense.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Diverting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverting. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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