1
as in amuses
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 turns
to change the course or direction of (something)
the bike race was diverted around the construction zone
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in distracts
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 diverts
Both charming decoration and functional solution, the rain chain diverts rainwater from the roof and gutters, transforming it into a beautiful water feature.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026
Critics say the program diverts funds from public schools.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
The system diverts stormwater into a giant tank and then, at Fourteenth Street, pumps it out at up to three hundred and fifty million gallons a day, sending it on to the Newtown Creek wastewater facility.
—Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
This diverts from the usual legislative process of amendments, markups and the like, which Huizenga told Newsweek was problematic for debt proposals in the past.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Streaming fraud diverts funds from musicians and songwriters whose songs were legitimately streamed by real listeners to those who use automation to falsely create the appearance of legitimate streaming.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
Energy infrastructure under attack threatens global supplies as shipping diverts from critical trade routes, potentially sparking economic shocks worldwide and reshaping energy markets.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Other recommendations included repealing any crime-free nuisance ordinances around housing, establishing an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Rights and creating a program that diverts young people away from the justice system.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Curtis wants to see a more holistic conversation on how to address delays in rural communities, rather than a proviso that diverts funding from projects long in the works.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026
Critics say the program diverts funds from public schools.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
The system diverts stormwater into a giant tank and then, at Fourteenth Street, pumps it out at up to three hundred and fifty million gallons a day, sending it on to the Newtown Creek wastewater facility.
—Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
This diverts from the usual legislative process of amendments, markups and the like, which Huizenga told Newsweek was problematic for debt proposals in the past.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Streaming fraud diverts funds from musicians and songwriters whose songs were legitimately streamed by real listeners to those who use automation to falsely create the appearance of legitimate streaming.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
Energy infrastructure under attack threatens global supplies as shipping diverts from critical trade routes, potentially sparking economic shocks worldwide and reshaping energy markets.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Other recommendations included repealing any crime-free nuisance ordinances around housing, establishing an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Rights and creating a program that diverts young people away from the justice system.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Curtis wants to see a more holistic conversation on how to address delays in rural communities, rather than a proviso that diverts funding from projects long in the works.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diverts
Verb
-
And Griffin Hanson amuses in several small roles.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The thing that amuses me the most?—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Whip turns 100 years old at Kennywood The 25th anniversary of the Phantom's Revenge isn't the only milestone for one of the park's ride, however, as the Whip is turning 100 years old this year.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Mulligan delivers lacerating fragility, while Isaac turns Josh’s accommodating nature into a pathology, but both characters are littered with backstory details that Beef leaves hanging.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Morgan concluded the practice, completing another one of Chesney’s specialties where the entire team distracts the return man from fielding a punt.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
7 Apr. 2026
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That is when Harbaugh will be able to crystallize for players like Cam Skattebo that football is the priority, and any outside nonsense that distracts from the goal of winning games is not going to be tolerated anymore.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With delicate humor and heartfelt moments, this bittersweet class-comedy entertains while provoking thought about our ability to live together and create meaningful connections.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This style of theater both enlightens and entertains, each actor stepping out of the ensemble inside Kelleher’s direction that teeters on the edge of heavy-handidness without ever getting there.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The public discussion still swings between utopian promise and apocalyptic dread.—
Barry R. Davis,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Sofi and Jordan rekindle friendships and more against a gorgeous backdrop as the pendulum swings between reconciliation and rupture.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Around the old-growth-fir dining table, Nansen regales us with tales of the rebuild.—
Jen Murphy,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the indie film, Hawke transforms himself into the diminutive composer, who regales attendees at Sardi’s bar with anecdotes about his career highs in the theater and bemoans the loss of his former partnership with Richard Rodgers.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Rue questions the nature of Jules’s relationship, but Jules deflects.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
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Christian therapists now widely condemn this as spiritual gaslighting that deflects accountability and compounds trauma.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Essie’s Mint Candy Apple captures that creamy green-blue finish, while Essie's Turquoise and Caicos veers more sage-esque in color.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Indeed, its approach often veers from intriguing to grating at times.—
Charles Lewis III,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diverts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diverts. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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