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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deflect
The second steal — deflecting a bounce pass with 68 seconds left in the third quarter, diving to the ground to force a jump ball and then creating a viral photo of herself clutching the ball while lying on the court and flashing a 1,000-kilowatt smile — was her school-record 347th swipe.
—
Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
After Vladimir Tarasenko gave the Wild a late lead, banking a long-range shot off a Nashville defender and over the line, the Predators answered 34 seconds later on a similar play, when a cross-ice puck deflected off a skate and into the net.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Matthew Tkachuk put Florida in the lead with a power-play goal from the side of the goal that deflected off Korpisalo and into the net.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
The puck barely deflected off Rantanen’s stick before going in the net.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
After Vladimir Tarasenko gave the Wild a late lead, banking a long-range shot off a Nashville defender and over the line, the Predators answered 34 seconds later on a similar play, when a cross-ice puck deflected off a skate and into the net.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Matthew Tkachuk put Florida in the lead with a power-play goal from the side of the goal that deflected off Korpisalo and into the net.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
The puck barely deflected off Rantanen’s stick before going in the net.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflect
Verb
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Will this race and the other changes create an opportunity for NASCAR to turn the page on its difficult 2025?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The new food pyramid has turned things upside down.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Within seconds, Perez smacked a cellphone out of the man's hand, swung at his head and tackled him to the ground.—
Sheridan Hendrix,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Over the past decade, screening guidelines have swung from recommending routine screening to advising against it to landing somewhere in between, and major organizations still don’t all say it the same way.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Law enforcement officers had removed the mouth of the irrigation tube diverting water from a nearby creek, but all the piping remained.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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Endless overseas conflicts put American lives at risk, drain our resources and divert attention from domestic priorities.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Senate Democrats and a couple of Republicans voted with Bernie Sanders to claw back DHS’ ridiculous $75 billion and redirect it to restore Medicaid cuts.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Experts also recommend cutting down unnecessary expenses so money can be redirected toward paying debt.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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It’s inspired by a French silk pie, but without any eggs to whip.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
12 Feb. 2026
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For season 1 of The Boss, InStyle Editor in Chief Sally Holmes taps Julia Fox (Uncut Gems, Him, The Moment) as the Temporary-Permanent Ambassador of Slayage in an effort to whip the InStyle team’s style into shape ahead of New York Fashion Week.—
InStyle Editors,
InStyle,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflect. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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