1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something)
the bike race was diverted around the construction zone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of divert
Three men staged a seizure to divert attention and steal a pair of the puppies — valued at over $8,000 — from Perfect Pets in Centennial, Colorado, a city about 14 miles south of downtown Denver, on Friday.
—
Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
An audit found more than 63% of Fayetteville's single-family residential waste and 70% of its commercial and multifamily waste could be diverted from the landfill.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
An American Airlines spokesperson told CBS News Flight 292 was diverted due to a security concern, but did not elaborate.
—Lucia Suarez Sang, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2025
The plane was diverted to St. John's, Newfoundland, at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, according to Flightradar24, so paramedics could assist the ill passenger.
—Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divert
Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
An audit found more than 63% of Fayetteville's single-family residential waste and 70% of its commercial and multifamily waste could be diverted from the landfill.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
An American Airlines spokesperson told CBS News Flight 292 was diverted due to a security concern, but did not elaborate.
—Lucia Suarez Sang, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2025
The plane was diverted to St. John's, Newfoundland, at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, according to Flightradar24, so paramedics could assist the ill passenger.
—Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
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While many were amused by the viral father-son outing, the child’s mother made her disapproval known.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
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Gotham-mayhem pics still jolt while Hollywood-glam pics merely amuse.—
Brian T. Allen,
National Review,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The event’s third iteration is set to run from January to April 2026 at the JAX District, an industrial site turned arts complex in the historic town of Diriyah, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
6 Mar. 2025
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Have we been distracted too much by all the verbal fireworks this season from CK, Phillip, and Seychelle to notice that Lete is an absolute assassin out there?—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
5 Mar. 2025
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Grave screamed for help, but security personnel were distracted by the game and not paying attention, the lawsuit said.—
Louis Casiano,
Fox News,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But the combination clearly worked; Corky, who had a wry sense of humor, was endlessly entertained by his wife.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Most Inspirational Documentary Our favorite 2024 documentary that inspired, educated, and entertained the whole family.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As if on cue, the closed front door suddenly swings wide open on its own.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
4 Mar. 2025
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For the afterparty, Lisa swung in the complete opposite direction in a curve-hugging Schiaparelli number with a pinstripe bodice and pleated white skirt.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Recurring bits like Opera Man, where Sandler, draped in a cape, regaled Weekend Update with off-key, operatic renditions of the news of the day, weren't exactly tight political satire.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
16 Feb. 2025
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The defense put on a dozen witnesses, including Madigan himself, who regaled the jury with tales from his strict, Southwest Side Irish Catholic upbringing and flatly denied any wrongdoing.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Researchers are testing new materials and innovative detection and shielding techniques to absorb or deflect cosmic radiation.—
Jake Parks,
Discover Magazine,
1 Mar. 2025
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Juan Carlos deflected the invitation more than once.—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Focus on the Task at Hand During these 10 minutes, fully redirect your attention to your work.—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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The apprehensions from them and other Republicans have been sparked predominantly by Colby’s positions that the United States should redirect its attention from threats in the Middle East, such as countering Iran and its proxies, to instead focus on China and its growing influence in Asia.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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