deflect

verb

di-ˈflekt How to pronounce deflect (audio)
Definition of deflectnext
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) the wind deflected the Frisbee just as I was about to lunge for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 deflect Dugger also had a would-be pick-six Wednesday on an Adrian Martinez pass deflected by Jones. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Driscoll deflected questions about the nation’s munitions stockpiles. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Driscoll deflected questions about the nation's munitions stockpiles. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 This could be under a tree, a less sunny porch corner, or under a patio umbrella to deflect the hottest times of the day. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
  1. turn
  2. swing
  3. divert
  4. redirect
  5. whip
Verb
  • Illustrations of peacocks, butterflies, and florals turn each acrylic tile into a miniature work of art, while the colorful palette feels perfectly suited for a poolside picnic table.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Moreover, in a study of 29 users of Melanotan II published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some users reported their skin turning a dull gray color.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of turn
Verb
  • In a game of fine margins, which way those nations swing could prove crucial.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • By Sunday, the Marvel-Sony tentpole should swing to $143 million, which represents about a 60% decline from its record-breaking $360 million debut.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of swing
Verb
  • However, incoming emergency room traffic was temporarily diverted to other hospitals, Derderian said.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Doing so would require state legislation, since the special property tax levy for teacher pensions can’t be diverted to CPS operations without a change in law.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of divert
Verb
  • In light of these issues, the commission recommended against fracking in the southern Tampico-Misantla basin, but redirected fracking to basins that contain saltwater rather than freshwater aquifers.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Ford struck a concrete barrier and was redirected to the left, forcing the car to travel across all northbound lanes.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of redirect
Verb
  • Then, when Gonzalez tried to exit in Exposition Park to avoid further confrontation, Pitts whipped out a knife, prosecutors said.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In 2017, the object flew into our solar system, whipped around the sun like a comet, and flew back out.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of whip

Browse Nearby Words

deflations
deflect
deflected
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Cite this Entry

“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deflect

Nglish: Translation of deflect for Spanish Speakers

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