veer 1 of 2

1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction at this point the river veers to the southwest before finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

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veer

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb veer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of veer are depart, deviate, digress, diverge, and swerve. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

When would depart be a good substitute for veer?

While in some cases nearly identical to veer, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

When could deviate be used to replace veer?

The synonyms deviate and veer are sometimes interchangeable, but deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

In what contexts can digress take the place of veer?

Although the words digress and veer have much in common, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

How do diverge and depart relate to one another, in the sense of veer?

Diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When might swerve be a better fit than veer?

The words swerve and veer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

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 veer
Verb
Police said video evidence showed Quinn’s truck veering on the road before eventually driving onto the dealership property. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025 After that, most of the atmospheric rivers that hit the West Coast from October into January veered northward into Washington, Oregon and Northern California instead. CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
Read more Netflix’s Nobody Wants This and the Persistent Jewish Stereotype The Adam Brody and Kristen Bell rom-com series is a delightful binge, but veers into territory that's a bit too frustrating and predictable. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2024 Malcolm Geminis have a reputation for plotting, being sly and trying to get away with stories that veer from the facts. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for veer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for veer
Verb
  • By 2019, the fluctuations had deviated so far from the prior model that scientists updated the WMM a year early.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Trump’s decision to deviate from that formula and provide reprieve for even the most violent Jan. 6 protesters has put congressional Republicans in an uncomfortable spot.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Around the same time, a 25-year-old woman from Kansas was driving south in a Toyota, and collided with the Honda as the driver tried to turn west on U.S. 20-26, police said.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Deputies say Medina swerved across lanes, changing speeds to evade police.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The algorithm is extraordinarily responsive: give a couple of videos a thumbs-up, and your whole feed swerves in a new ideological direction.
    Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Each hour ends with a new cliffhanger, but none are as effective as the premiere twist — and most are more frustrating than tantalizing.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Known for his Murano glass creations exploring century-old techniques with a contemporary twist, Parmeggiani developed two candles manufactured with the leftover wax of Venice’s churches and scented with a mix of oud, incense and geranium.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • At my company, reducing commutes and office energy use has significantly cut our environmental impact.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Each student will receive a collection of cut flower seeds for the Spring season.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The first time Team Rubicon used used this was in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, which hit the Big bend area of Florida.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend Wide-angle seated forward bend is a stretch of the inner thighs and backs of the legs.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Three planes were diverted away from Kazan while the restrictions were in place, the airport said.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near veer

Cite this Entry

“Veer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/veer. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on veer

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