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 mission proved that a kinetic impact could significantly deflect the trajectory of a small solar system body and so may be a viable strategy for defending Earth.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 June 2025
On 81 minutes, Santi Gimenez’s efforts to reach a Mateo Chavez cross confused Saudi defender Abdullah Madu, who could only deflect the ball past Al-Aqidi and into his own net.
—Martin Rogers, New York Times, 28 June 2025
The bullet to his spine was partially deflected by his dog tag, which Park believes is the reason he wasn’t paralyzed.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Hard rock and irregularities in the geology can prevent the weapons from reaching target depths and can deflect shock waves, says Raymond Jeanloz, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who has studied bunker-busters.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 June 2025
On 81 minutes, Santi Gimenez’s efforts to reach a Mateo Chavez cross confused Saudi defender Abdullah Madu, who could only deflect the ball past Al-Aqidi and into his own net.
—Martin Rogers, New York Times, 28 June 2025
The bullet to his spine was partially deflected by his dog tag, which Park believes is the reason he wasn’t paralyzed.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Hard rock and irregularities in the geology can prevent the weapons from reaching target depths and can deflect shock waves, says Raymond Jeanloz, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who has studied bunker-busters.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
-
Then, as the century turned, the boys were pushed aside by rough young men.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
15 July 2025
-
But the show has also increasingly thrived on the odd-couple chemistry between co-creator Downs, who plays Hollywood’s gentlest manager, and breakout star Stalter as his assistant turned partner.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
When Bacho moves in to make a move, Sakamoto swings a stock pot at Bacho's head, rendering him unconscious.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
-
But when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building block, Batchelor swung at the chance.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, another Delta flight diverted to Terceira due to an engine issue.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
10 July 2025
-
The plane diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston, and Massachusetts State Police officers took Reid into custody.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
The administration continues to navigate the fallout from the Epstein memo controversy while Trump seeks to redirect focus toward other policy priorities.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
-
Hooey Brands and Uncle Bekah’s Inappropriate Trucker Hats Two apparel companies with heavy ties to Texas music — Hooey Brands and Uncle Bekah’s Inappropriate Trucker Hats — are also redirecting proceeds from online sales to flood victims.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
The comet will also whip by Mars on October 2 at 18 million miles (30 million kilometers) from the red planet.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
3 July 2025
-
An Italian meringue involves carefully and slowly drizzling a hot sugar syrup into egg whites while whipping them.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share