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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The operational metrics, adoption and tickets deflected stats sit with IT or the business unit, while finance owns the financial side. Mark Tauschek, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The veteran delivered for the Sox with a single that deflected off the glove of diving shortstop Kevin McGonigle and trickled into left field. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 The president also has deflected criticism of their impact on consumer prices by claiming erroneously that foreigners pay for them. Kent Jones, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 The former Carolina Panthers linebacker spent his 15 minutes deflecting credit and thanking others, showering dozens of people from his life with praise. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 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
  • Traffic from northbound lanes will be redirected to Langford Parkway, and then through the city on I-75/85 north, and back on I-20 west to rejoin I-285.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • State support could include a TIF plan to redirect state tax revenue, tax credits, bond funding through the Show-Me-Sports program passed last year and cost-share funding through state Department of Transportation programs.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 24 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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