DIVERT Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'divert' different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert . While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny. // a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

Q: In what contexts can 'amuse' take the place of 'divert'?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly. // amuse yourselves while I make dinner

Q: When would 'entertain' be a good substitute for 'divert'?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods. // a magician entertaining children at a party

divert

verb

də-ˈvərt

Definition of divert next

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

as in to turn

to change the course or direction of (something) the bike race was diverted around the construction zone

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to distract

to draw the attention or mind to something else trying to divert the child with a toy while the doctor was giving her a shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word divert different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

In what contexts can amuse take the place of divert?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When would entertain be a good substitute for divert?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

Examples 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 divert To trick the German forces into believing that a much larger American force was stationed in various locations, diverting attention away from the real operations and damaging enemy morale. —

Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024 Opponents, however, dislike diverting taxpayer funding from public schools to private ones and point to examples of misuse of funds, in such cases as this one. —

Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Dec. 2024 But even with nearly two out of five nets being diverted to other uses, the intervention is still incredibly cost-effective. —

Dylan Matthews, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024 Syrian government authorities diverted traffic from that highway Thursday. —

Sarah El Deeb The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for divert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert

Verb

Wine Convo Generator: Mix and Match Witty Phrases to Sound like a Sommelier By Chasity Cooper Chasity Cooper’s Wine Convo Generator is a playful and interactive guide perfect for wine lovers who want to impress or simply amuse at their next tasting.

Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition.

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024