as in deviations
a turning away from a course or standard
a stern father who would not tolerate the slightest deflection from the strict moral code that he imposed on his children
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Recent Examples of deflections
While Jaquez did not provide the eye-popping scoring of some of her teammates, the wing brought a cool effectiveness to the defensive side of the ball while tallying a pair of assists and a handful of deflections.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
The stat also doesn’t account for deflections off a goalie’s own teammates, which are exceptionally unpredictable and difficult to stop but typically register as a routine shot attempt from distance.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Given the highly turbulent nature of the solar atmosphere, researchers are now examining whether similar variations in type III burst drift rates could be driven by magnetic irregularities, including switchbacks or broader field deflections.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Presented annually since 2016-17, the recipient is determined by a statistical formula incorporating the metrics of deflections, loose balls recovered, charges drawn, screen assists, contested shots and box outs.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
After a few days of awkward deflections and a viral PR shutdown, Paige Bueckers finally addressed the topic everyone has been dancing around — her romantic relationship with Azzi Fudd.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Had 10 pass deflections in 2025 and five interceptions in 2024, and could be a developmental ball-hawk behind Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones (the latter of which is on an expiring deal).
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
In 2025, Moore combined for 35 tackles and two tackles for loss to go three pass deflections and two interceptions.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
But such deflections come too easily for Villanueva.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
The stat also doesn’t account for deflections off a goalie’s own teammates, which are exceptionally unpredictable and difficult to stop but typically register as a routine shot attempt from distance.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Given the highly turbulent nature of the solar atmosphere, researchers are now examining whether similar variations in type III burst drift rates could be driven by magnetic irregularities, including switchbacks or broader field deflections.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Presented annually since 2016-17, the recipient is determined by a statistical formula incorporating the metrics of deflections, loose balls recovered, charges drawn, screen assists, contested shots and box outs.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
After a few days of awkward deflections and a viral PR shutdown, Paige Bueckers finally addressed the topic everyone has been dancing around — her romantic relationship with Azzi Fudd.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Had 10 pass deflections in 2025 and five interceptions in 2024, and could be a developmental ball-hawk behind Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones (the latter of which is on an expiring deal).
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
In 2025, Moore combined for 35 tackles and two tackles for loss to go three pass deflections and two interceptions.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
But such deflections come too easily for Villanueva.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflections
deviations
Noun
-
The standout look continues with an all-red sole unit, and the only deviations in color come from a white pebbled leather Swoosh and gold mesh window.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
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Equally important, treat deviations from your targets with rigor.—
Thierry Brunel,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflections.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflections. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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