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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.

The U.S. government charged Super Micro co-founder Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw and two other individuals last month, accusing them of masterminding a plan to divert U.S.-assembled servers to China in violation of export-control laws.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 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

Some policing experts express concerns that the technology could be vulnerable to cyberattacks, lead to abuses of force or divert resources from more-effective measures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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

It was not long before some opponents of female suffrage deliberately used Victoria Woodhull’s other prominent positions to divert public attention from the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling