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
Examples 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
Trump, clearly, does not ascribe to this view, and would like nothing more than to use his power to deflect any accountability away from himself.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
But during his one-on-one interview with the Tribune Tuesday, Johnson repeatedly deflected questions about the governor’s pointed criticism.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
Earth’s protective geomagnetic field deflects most of such blasts.
—Stephen Ornes, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
After Spartans defensive lineman Bubba Smith deflected a punt, Michigan State quarterback Steve Juday burst in from the 1-yard line with 31 seconds left to cut the Spartans’ deficit to two points.
—Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect 
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
But during his one-on-one interview with the Tribune Tuesday, Johnson repeatedly deflected questions about the governor’s pointed criticism.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
Earth’s protective geomagnetic field deflects most of such blasts.
—Stephen Ornes, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
After Spartans defensive lineman Bubba Smith deflected a punt, Michigan State quarterback Steve Juday burst in from the 1-yard line with 31 seconds left to cut the Spartans’ deficit to two points.
—Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
-
Thanks to pandemic and production delays, however, training turned into a long, grueling process.Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
-
In the playoffs, though, Mahomes turned into Superman.Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
James Nolan of FanSided recently predicted the Mets would swing a blockbuster trade for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease after whiffing on Roki Sasaki.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
-
Bitcoin has swung wildly after robust U.S. jobs data sapped expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and sent stock markets spiraling.Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
For example, Trump vowed during the presidential campaign to deny Newsom federal money to fight wildfires unless the governor diverted more water to farms.George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
-
Trump's comments highlight ongoing political battles over how the state allocates its water resources, with Republicans, like Trump, often arguing that too much water is being diverted for environmental protections rather than human and agricultural use.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Those with influencer budgets can redirect some of these costs toward other marketing initiatives or technology to help streamline employee content creation.Bradley Keenan, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
-
For instance, a child climbing on a picnic table at the park might be redirected to some climbing equipment at a playground.Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Everyone here is affected Today infernos whipped by a perfect storm of high winds and drought conditions hit the Western edges of the United States especially hard.Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
-
As the fire came closer, whipped by strong winds barreling down the mountains, no ambulance appeared.Claire Fahy, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near deflect
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share