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
With six minutes remaining in the half, the Griffins’ Cami Ainslie, who was dribbling down the left sideline, curved toward the goal and took a hard shot that the Oilers’ keeper managed to deflect away.
—
Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
Campbell, who consistently deflects praise, said Hamp’s leadership is a huge factor in the team’s turnaround.
—Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Almost all evidence of our home’s existence is gone, save the growing text record of hundreds of messages of concern, condolences and offers to help — and my grateful responses, each one punctuated by jokes and deflecting.
—Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
The shape of the breeds' eyes, ears, paws and tails helps deflect cold temperatures, and many have a double coat, with water-resistant bristles giving way to longer, downy fur.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect 
Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
Campbell, who consistently deflects praise, said Hamp’s leadership is a huge factor in the team’s turnaround.
—Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Almost all evidence of our home’s existence is gone, save the growing text record of hundreds of messages of concern, condolences and offers to help — and my grateful responses, each one punctuated by jokes and deflecting.
—Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
The shape of the breeds' eyes, ears, paws and tails helps deflect cold temperatures, and many have a double coat, with water-resistant bristles giving way to longer, downy fur.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
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This year, don’t be surprised if collectors looking for a hidden gem turn their focus to outsider art.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
29 Jan. 2025
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Absent greater public awareness the ominous forecast will turn into inevitability.—
Michael S. Lubell,
Scientific American,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, after reading the groom-to-be's explanation on Reddit, many users have swung behind him in support.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
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These aspects come with a price, too, as average tags swing from 850 euros for a shirt and around 1,300 euros for knitwear up to 4,200 euros for a double cashmere coat.—
Sandra Salibian,
WWD,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Created in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Prevent tries to intervene in the lives of people suspected of being vulnerable to radicalization, with the hope of diverting them from possible terrorism.—
Megan Specia,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
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Three planes were diverted away from Kazan while the restrictions were in place, the airport said.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Heading cuts are intended to remove the terminal bud at the end of a main stem where most growth takes place and redirect the plant’s energies toward growth on side branches.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
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With better energy efficiency and fewer hardware demands, industries such as healthcare, automotive manufacturing and renewable energy can reclaim critical resources and redirect them toward innovation.—
Eric Solis,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The fire burned for five days in an isolated part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park before high winds whipped it up and swept it toward Gatlinburg.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA TODAY,
26 Jan. 2025
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Strong winds whipped the 30-acre blaze, known as the Woodley fire, south toward Burbank Boulevard.—
Laura J. Nelson,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near deflect
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
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