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
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Verb
-
The fourth plane, Flight 93, was diverted and crashed in Pennsylvania.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight were temporarily diverted from their destination after an incident with a rabbit affected the aircraft’s engine.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Supporting others in tangible ways - like volunteering, donating, or organizing - can help redirect anxiety into collective empowerment.—
Nicole Lipkin,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
Alexander Wennberg’s 10th goal of the season tied the score at 16:46 when his fellow Swede, William Eklund, whipped a pass from the left boards across the goal mouth to set-up the one-time finish with a ton of space to Dostal’s left.—
Josh Gross,
Oc Register,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share