DIVERT Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'divert' different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert . While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny. // a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

Q: In what contexts can 'amuse' take the place of 'divert'?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly. // amuse yourselves while I make dinner

Q: When would 'entertain' be a good substitute for 'divert'?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods. // a magician entertaining children at a party

divert

verb

də-ˈvərt

Definition of divert

as in to amuse

to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied a light comedy to divert the tired business executive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to turn

to change the course or direction of (something) the bike race was diverted around the construction zone

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to distract

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divert different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

In what contexts can amuse take the place of divert?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When would entertain be a good substitute for divert?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

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 divert This means the river would divert from the existing riverbed, if the new channel reaches it. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026 Keeping his loyal base fevered, furious and fearful has to a large extent diverted their attention from their diminishing resources and personal safety and threatened constitutional rights. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 But about 50 minutes into the flight, a pilot came on the intercom to announce the plane needed to divert back to Calgary. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 The burglary took place as Messina celebrated the Ferragosto national holiday, when attention was diverted from the paintings, the only works by Antonello remaining in his hometown. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert

Verb

Students were especially amused that AI had John Singer, who acts as a hub connecting all the other characters, speaking on a variety of subjects.

— Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Greenbush, the tour guide, was amused by his neoclassically bare chest.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of amuse

Verb

One of my non-negotiable recommendations is Tonnara di Scopello, another historic tuna fishery turned into a tiny museum and protected cove.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Her biweekly nostalgia program has turned into a daily online recap of the Keffe D trial.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of turn

Verb

Investigators say a tire was placed in the road in a plot to distract and kill Jared Bridegan, 33, in Jacksonville Beach in 2022.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Kiser’s husband, Brady Kiser, said he had been briefly distracted while watching Trigg while his wife was away.

— Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of distract

Verb

Prices of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
The club opted against a lengthy pre-season trip to North America, Oceania, or East Asia, preferring a smaller-scale tour in which the squad swung back to the Carrington training ground after playing across a host of European cities.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of swing

Verb

The two dashing newcomers have since been regaling the Georgia Aquarium’s existing belugas, a quartet of females*, with tales of their peregrinations.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Baker was known to regale locals with the history of their own homes and the founding Monrovians who lived there before them.

— Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of regale

Verb

Calhoun, a defensive back, deflects a last-second two-point conversion pass with a fingertip and UM beats Nebraska, 31-30, for its first of five national championships.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
Kate Faasse equalized for the Dash in the 42nd minute after Kiki Van Zanten’s shot deflected off North Carolina goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of deflect

Browse Nearby Words

diversity

divert

diverted

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Style

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of divert

verb

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