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
The cost of monitoring and deflecting asteroids is modest compared to the expensive undertakings of human missions to the Moon and Mars.
—
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025
Gabbard deflected the question, stating she was focused on preventing future leaks rather than commenting on past actions.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Even so, Pritzker has tools at his disposal, beyond a bully pulpit, to deflect and push back against presidential actions.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Witnesses can have incentives to deflect blame onto others as a way of protecting themselves.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect 
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025
Gabbard deflected the question, stating she was focused on preventing future leaks rather than commenting on past actions.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Even so, Pritzker has tools at his disposal, beyond a bully pulpit, to deflect and push back against presidential actions.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Witnesses can have incentives to deflect blame onto others as a way of protecting themselves.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
-
Travis Kelce consoled by Taylor Swift as retirement rumors swirl ➤ Chiefs' run at Super Bowl history turns into epic embarrassment: The blowout loss to the Eagles means no team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls.—
Jim Reineking,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Owning a movie theater was a lifelong dream for Floyd, who notes that a commitment to supporting independent film is not always compatible with the need to turn a profit.—
Cory Stillman,
IndieWire,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The Twins swung a minor trade on Thursday, trading utilityman Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals for cash considerations.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The Mavs swung another trade Tuesday, acquiring noted Celtics killer Caleb Martin from Philadelphia.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The plane was diverted to St. John's, Newfoundland, at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, according to Flightradar24, so paramedics could assist the ill passenger.—
Kris Van Cleave,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2025
-
In yet another signature White Lotus twist, the show may divert from its original trajectory of going to a new continent each season by revisiting an old one, literally the old continent.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
As previously reported by Newsweek, Musk aims to reduce inefficiencies and redirect the funds from both areas back to the federal government for different uses.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Trocheck — no longer on PP1 — redirected it past Korpisalo.—
Peter Baugh,
The Athletic,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Cookie whipped them and forced them to walk on burning pavement.—
Lawrence Wright,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Pitchers and catchers report to the Padres’ spring training complex on Wednesday, leaving the team six weeks to whip the roster in shape for opening day.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near deflect
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share