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

Relevance

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 Online critics slammed Wasserman for diverting any potential firefighting help to the depleted area. —

Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 The struck plane diverted across the Caspian Sea and crash landed at Aktau airport in Kazakhstan. —

Marisa Garcia, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 The work to safeguard the structure from collapse meant diverting traffic away from the city’s center — and the downtown businesses that rely on that traffic for their livelihoods. —

Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 31 Dec. 2024 Win McNamee/Getty Images After a mob of pro-Trump protesters breached the U.S. Capitol through a broken window on Jan. 6, 2021, a lone Capitol Police officer, Eugene Goodman, diverted the group away from the Senate chamber. —

Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for divert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert

Verb

The interaction sparked a wave of varied reactions online, leaving many shocked and others amused while some just wanted in on the joke.

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
But Denmark, Greenland and Panama don’t appear amused by the tactic.

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Jan. 2025