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 next

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

Relevance

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 The co-pilot was forced to divert and land the plane in Athens, Greece. —

Escher Walcott, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 But riders on the RTD’s A Line between Denver International Airport and the Peoria Station will be diverted to bus shuttles on Saturday, Feb. 15 to facilitate track maintenance. —

Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2025 Conversely, taking action and closing down airspace could cause economic disruption and possibly cause other safety issues by diverting flights, Boley added. —

Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025 Many nonprofit and academic studies blame it on the slashing of crucial federal social-aid and housing programs under Reagan’s watch, while others say the bigger problem is that government money meant for the poor gets sucked up in bureaucracy or badly diverted. —

Kevin Fagan, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for divert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert

Verb

For $175 per person, the upscale eatery is offering a four-course meal, a caviar amuse bouche and a bottle of champagne per couple.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 10 Feb. 2025
Unlike so much contemporary poetry, his poems would seem to welcome you in, with an easy cadence and familiar references that seem to amuse.

— Corey Seymour, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025