deflected

[dih-flek-tid] / dɪˈflɛk tɪd /

VERB

bounce off; turn aside

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert bend cover up divert hook pivot ricochet slip swerve veer whip

STRONG

curve deviate disperse diverge fend parry sheer shy sidetrack slew twist wheel whirl wind

WEAK

glance off hold off keep off volte-face

Antonyms

STRONGEST

stay straighten

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cheng has deflected questions about her position, saying recently it was "premature" to discuss a final solution and what was needed now was "peaceful and stable cross-strait relations."

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

But when Boozer tried to throw a pass across half-court to a wide-open teammate, Demary’s outstretched hand deflected the ball and began to make the miracle possible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

That’s when Hilary Knight deflected a Laila Edwards slap shot past Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens to even the score and eventually send the game to overtime.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

"In addition, when the pulses travel near a very massive object, they may be deflected and experience time delays due to the warping of space-time, as predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity."

From Science Daily • Feb. 17, 2026

But he deflected, and though she spun and tried to knock him in his stomach, he blocked her again.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas