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
Relevance
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
Sandwiched by a pair of Eau Gallie defenders, Garrison went up to make a catch of a pass from Koran Palmer and had the ball knocked away by one defender and then deflected by another defender.
—
Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Root deflects credit for its hilarity.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026
On Saturday night, John McGinn deflected a shot off an opposing defender and past goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 28th minute, and Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
—Ken Powtak, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
Vozinha dove and extended his right arm and deflected the ball away with his fingertips.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Root deflects credit for its hilarity.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026
On Saturday night, John McGinn deflected a shot off an opposing defender and past goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 28th minute, and Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
—Ken Powtak, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
Vozinha dove and extended his right arm and deflected the ball away with his fingertips.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
-
Kelce, who will turn 37 years old in the middle of the season, is looking to rebound from a bit of a down season.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
-
The Knicks used their experience and moxie to hold off the exuberant young Spurs’ early game runs, eventually turning the screws in the second and third quarters to build solid leads.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
The pendulum never really swung away from maximizing shareholder value.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The turnover swung the momentum in Minnesota’s favor.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Prosecutors described the case as the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the country, saying Bock diverted tens of millions in federal money intended to feed hungry children.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
The plane had taken off from Mexico's San Jose del Cabo on Tuesday evening and was bound for Austin before diverting to Laredo, according to tracking data.—
Jessica Gorman,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
For executives, founders, and high-net-worth individuals, a single damaging search result can redirect deal flow, board appointments, and personal opportunities for years.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
Deadheading redirects the plant’s energy into producing more blooms.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The menu features Mediterranean delicacies, starting with mezze like hummus, muhammara (a walnut and red pepper dip) and whipped feta spreads.—
Connie Ogle
June 19,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
-
Ospreay struck Strickland, who responded by whipping a chain at him.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
