1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something)
the bike race was diverted around the construction zone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of divert
But the gold seekers, the ‘49ers, immediately set to digging ditches and canals to divert water, and so the new state soon allowed that practice, too.
—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
These responsibilities divert attention away from customers, revenue generation and strategic growth.
—
Damini Sood,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The secondary thermal output can be diverted to heat industrial buildings or run desalination equipment.
—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
2 July 2026
Following initial reports last month that the event would be held at Madison Square Garden, some theorized that the choice could be an elaborate smoke screen to divert attention from the couple’s real wedding plans.
—
Jake Offenhartz,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for divert
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
These responsibilities divert attention away from customers, revenue generation and strategic growth.
—
Damini Sood,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The secondary thermal output can be diverted to heat industrial buildings or run desalination equipment.
—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
2 July 2026
Following initial reports last month that the event would be held at Madison Square Garden, some theorized that the choice could be an elaborate smoke screen to divert attention from the couple’s real wedding plans.
—
Jake Offenhartz,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
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But even in hard times, there are things to amuse us.
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In the hour-long special, taped the Skirball in New York City in March, Barone aims to shock, amuse, and arouse.
Verb
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Some critics on social media counter that the gatherings risk turning spirituality into spectacle, performance and commodity all at once.
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The patriotic ball drop is scheduled to air at midnight ET on CNN as July 3 turns into July 4 in Times Square.
Verb
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Efforts to organize and tidy often turned into sitting on the floor surrounded by piles of stuff and getting easily distracted with sentimental finds.
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But that was a bit ago, and there is a theory now that perhaps this is starting to leak, or maybe be confirmed soon, to distract from the recent, very poor performance of Supergirl in theaters.
Verb
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Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience.
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The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.
Verb
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Beat a prime Holloway at 170, though, and the door swings back open to the paydays he's chased since the rematch became official.
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To the fans who have watched the Warriors swing and miss on free agents and various trade targets over the last few years, watching Simons sign with another team was painful.
Verb
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Knowledgeable docents regale guests with stories about the Ingalls family, residents of the hotel, and the town, and also point out artifacts from pioneer-era life during 45-60 minute tours.
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Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
Verb
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The sequence started with Bosnian defender Stjepan Radeljic sliding in front of a Tillman pass, deflecting it forward toward Muharemovic.
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Colombia wasted no time imposing itself on the Portugal defense, taking two shots in the opening minutes, the first a header by Cordoba after a Diaz shot was deflected, and another by Rodriguez that went wide.
Verb
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Taylor loves her Easter eggs, and there are rumors flying that Madison Square Garden is simply a bold ploy to redirect fans’ (and the media’s) attention away from where her true nuptials will be.
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Guests who are, as a result, prevented from booking an entire home, are instead redirected to book private room listings and hotels on the Airbnb platform.
Cite this Entry
“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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