Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

divert

[dih-vurt, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜrt, daɪ- /
VERB
turn a different direction
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alter deflect redirect switch
STRONG
avert change modify pivot sheer swerve veer wheel whip whirl
WEAK
turn aside volte-face
Antonyms
STRONG
stay straighten
WEAK
anger be direct irritate keep to maintain make mad upset
VERB
amuse, entertain
Synonyms
STRONG
beguile delight gladden gratify panic please recreate regale relax slay tickle wow
WEAK
break one up fracture one get one's jollies knock 'em dead make happy put 'em away
Antonyms
STRONG
annoy depress disappoint disturb pain upset worry
WEAK
anger be direct irritate keep to maintain make mad stay
VERB
take attention away
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deter detract discourage distract
STRONG
abstract detach disengage dissuade disturb sidetrack stall
WEAK
attract attention bend the rules catch flies circumlocute disadvise draw away get around lead astray lead away send on a wild-goose chase
Antonyms
STRONGEST
encourage
STRONG
attach combine connect unite
WEAK
anger be direct irritate keep to maintain make mad stay upset

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.

Critics say the systems divert resources from more effective measures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Up to 250 schools in knife crime hotspots will receive specialist training in a bid to divert children from serious violence, the government has announced.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Above all, the current crisis could hit the costs of humanitarian aid and divert donor funds towards other priorities.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

The U.S. government charged co-founder Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw and two other individuals last month regarding an alleged plan to divert U.S.-assembled servers to China in a violation of export-control laws.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“I have to use the bathroom,” I announced, trying to divert the attention from my mother and the coat.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

Vocabulary lists containing divert

The Outsiders

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Unit 1: Telling Details

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Pearl

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!