DEFLECTION Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

deflection

noun

di-ˈflek-shən

Definition of deflection

as in deviation

a turning away from a course or standard a stern father who would not tolerate the slightest deflection from the strict moral code that he imposed on his children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adherence

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 deflection Toronto tied it at the half when Mihailovic scored off a deflection seven minutes into stoppage time. — CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty is the first defensive back to tally a pass deflection in consecutive practices. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Hastings made 130 tackles, intercepted a pass, and had four pass deflections with one forced fumble. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 31 July 2026 Rio Ngumoha scored the only goal courtesy of a big deflection 15 minutes from time to send the vast majority of the 42,204-strong crowd home happy. — James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflection

Noun

The movie itself disappoints him for its deviations from the Stephen King novel (including this detail may help preempt criticisms over this adaptation), but he’s also distracted by the presence of a strikingly handsome stranger (Homer Gere).

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
Leaders need a baseline of normal behavior for each agent and the ability to detect deviation from that baseline.

— Steve Wilson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of deviation

Noun

At 11/2, Liverpool are third-favourites to win the 2026/27 Premier League title, reflecting how much talent is still at the club even after the departure of some key figures.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Sacramento Regional Transit will adjust six bus routes beginning Sunday, including delaying departure times and eliminating one early-morning trip from Florin.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of departure

Browse Nearby Words

deflecting

deflection

deflections

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflection. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of deflection

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on deflection

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

anecdote

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes