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 Now: The Two Oldest Speak Out in a New Hulu Docuseries, Devil in the Family By Kathleen Walsh Throughout the series, Dave deflected and contradicted himself whenever his actions were questioned. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025 Researchers are testing new materials and innovative detection and shielding techniques to absorb or deflect cosmic radiation. — Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2025 Juan Carlos deflected the invitation more than once. — Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 There’s multiple ways to do that: by rebounding, protecting the lane, deflecting passes, getting steals, doing things like that. — Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
  1. turn
  2. swing
  3. divert
  4. redirect
  5. whip
Verb
  • Her writing turned into role-playing in forums, and Twilight fandom gave way to a love of video games like Mass Effect.
    — Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 18 Mar. 2025
  • But what was supposed to be a fun family outing turned tragic the morning of March 16.
    — Kayla Keegan, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of turn
Verb
  • Brianna seems to swing between two moods: intense enthusiasm, intense repugnance.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Wilmore swung open the space station’s hatch and then rang the ship’s bell as the new arrivals floated in one by one and were greeted with hugs and handshakes.
    — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of swing
Verb
  • However, with the AI and crypto booms diverting attention and resources to cutting-edge domains, CRUD businesses have become less common.
    — Mohan Kumar, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Article 23 is very explicit in outlining that a High Contracting Party, such as Israel, shall allow the free passage of humanitarian supplies, but that is if, and only if, there are no serious reasons to believe these supplies are being diverted from their destination or used for military purposes.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of divert
Verb
  • Trump has argued the executive branch has leeway to cut or redirect spending to save money or make government more efficient.
    — Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Two Moscow airports were closed for safety reasons and several flights to the Russian capital were redirected to other airports, according to state-run news agency TASS.
    — Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of redirect
Verb
  • The moment was so precious that Reed whipped out her phone to take a quick video and later shared it on TikTok.
    — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Blizzards expected in Northern Plains Forecasters warned that heavy snow whipped by powerful winds are likely to make travel treacherous in parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of whip

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“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of deflect for Spanish Speakers

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