Definition of deflectnext
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

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 deflect Mauricio Dubon’s ground ball up the middle was deflected by a diving Betts right to Edman at second base to start an inning-ending double play. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026 And Parton was characteristically quick to deflect attention toward the women bringing Violet, Judy and Doralee to life eight times a week. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Purdy later got intercepted by safety Marques Sigle on a high pass deflected by Demarcus Robinson’s outstretched hand. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Ryder Ajeto’s first touch in the box was deflected by a Florida defender, but Ajeto followed the ball and scored from eight yards to produce the final 3-1 margin. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
  • After successful demonstration in ground and airborne trials, the company turned its attention to a GravNav, a system that senses changes in gravity fields.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no better time to start turning your closet over for the season ahead.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the chief executive said Hilton's middle- and upper-middle segments have swung from posting negative numbers to growing at rates as high as 6%.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Slingshot surges forward as the tach swings toward redline, the exhaust emitting a guttural howl.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes, operators were forced to drain one pond and divert its water to save fish in another, the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Inter-branch Organization said in early August.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Tax allocation districts are designated areas where a certain amount of property tax revenue growth is diverted away from governments and used to fund specific improvements within that district.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Time saved that is never redirected becomes organizational slack, and slack is invisible in financial statements.
    Emily Lewis-Pinnell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On Thursday, an older gentleman started at the sign with a green arrow redirecting patrons on the post-construction path.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ella Langley continues to whip fans into a frenzy on social media.
    David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Deploying everything from pickled green strawberries and fresh peas to whipped labneh with Banyul vinegar glaze, artful Viennoiserie evokes more than a little whimsy that spans sweet and savory.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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