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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deflect
But in a press scrum interview this week, the 48-year-old MIT grad deflected any credit for homers that have been hit with torpedo bats.
—
Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
After Muldowney hit a post with one shot, as had another deflected at the last second, Penn State scored the game winner at the Allentown Regional, Matt DiMarsico’s goal ending 77:46 of tension-filled, elimination hockey.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
As the ball deflected into the outfield, Aranda came around to score.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2025
The attacking midfielder intercepted a pass just outside the box and took a shot that deflected off a sliding defender and looped over keeper Stefan Frei in the 32nd minute.
—Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
After Muldowney hit a post with one shot, as had another deflected at the last second, Penn State scored the game winner at the Allentown Regional, Matt DiMarsico’s goal ending 77:46 of tension-filled, elimination hockey.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
As the ball deflected into the outfield, Aranda came around to score.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2025
The attacking midfielder intercepted a pass just outside the box and took a shot that deflected off a sliding defender and looped over keeper Stefan Frei in the 32nd minute.
—Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
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Ryan Coogler first turned heads with his 2013 debut Fruitvale Station, a shattering account of a fatal shooting that presaged the surge of the Black Lives Matter movement.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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Lisa Rinna turned Wednesday’s H&M & LA event in Los Angeles into a family affair, attending the event alongside her daughters Delilah Belle and Amelia Gray Hamlin.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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With Orlando trailing by 2 points less than a minute into the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center following a disastrous third, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball looked to swing the ball to Nick Smith Jr. waiting in the corner.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2025
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Still no timetable on anything, but he’s been able to swing the bat and feel like there’s been some steady improvement day after day.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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American Airlines flight to Tokyo from New York was diverted to Dallas, Texas for ‘maintenance issue’ Flight Aware data shows an American Airlines flight from New York City to Tokyo get diverted to Dallas, Texas on Monday after experiencing a maintenance issue, nearly 7 hours into the flight.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The trustees opposed have previously expressed concern that the financial incentives offered to Crown would divert tax dollars away from local governments and other taxing bodies, like the school district.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Supporting others in tangible ways - like volunteering, donating, or organizing - can help redirect anxiety into collective empowerment.—
Nicole Lipkin,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
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The severity of the symptoms of arterial thrombosis in the leg varies, depending on which artery is affected, the time course of the artery blockage (sudden versus gradual), and whether the body can redirect blood flow through other arteries.—
Alicen Nelson MD,
Verywell Health,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Take it from us and whip out this gem for special occasions versus everyday wear, as Gucci recommends shielding it from direct light, heat, and rain.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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In the early hours of April 21, 1775, gale-force winds whipped across the town square, driving the shivering sentries from their posts to the shelter of their beds.—
Andrew Lawler,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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