Synonym Chooser

How is the word divert different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and entertain are common synonyms of divert. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

In what contexts can amuse take the place of divert?

The meanings of amuse and divert largely overlap; however, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When would entertain be a good substitute for divert?

Although the words entertain and divert have much in common, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

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 divert Campaign finance records show that between October and December, Keep Florida Clean diverted $10.5 million to the Republican Party of Florida, which campaigned against Amendment 3. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 While Canada was a relatively low-carbon, close-to-home travel option for U.S. tourists, this sudden collapse risks diverting travelers toward longer-haul, higher-emission alternatives. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 As the swollen Kentucky River kept rising on Sunday, officials diverted traffic and turned off utilities to businesses in the city built around it, Quire said. Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025 Officials diverted traffic and turned off utilities to businesses in the city as the river was expected to approach a record crest on Monday. Bruce Schreiner and Kristin M. Hall, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divert
Verb
  • What’s your take on that? I’m amused by it, just because broadcast TV never went out of vogue at our company.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Viewers on Reddit were amused by the pup's hilarious expression in the viral clip.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But the moment of flexing soon turned into a public apology and her taking accountability for the effect of the song.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Lisa Rinna turned Wednesday’s H&M & LA event in Los Angeles into a family affair, attending the event alongside her daughters Delilah Belle and Amelia Gray Hamlin.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While most of the acting is wonderful (Wyle is predictably great, but so is just about all of the main cast), some patient-of-the-week players err towards distracting histrionics.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The one who got distracted by the minstrel did not finish last.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a sweet moment shared by the NBA, Clark was seen entertaining two of White's sons, bringing them into frame to wave at the camera when she was captured on the Jumbotron.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The change is one that has left Morton suitably entertained.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The former mayor of Salzburg gave the project the go-head in 2024, but now a governmental skirmish has begun after the mayoral office swung from the political right to the left after an election.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The second player swings the ball across the top of the key to the second side.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Kreeger’s background Born an only child in New York City, Kreeger regaled guests with his stories bridging his work in the legal and musical communities.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Built in the 17th century, the national monument is made of native coquina stones, which absorbed or deflected enemy projectiles, giving the Spanish an advantage.
    Kara Franker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The defender was even better in 2023, earning First-team All-American honors after securing three interceptions and deflecting seven passes.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The federal government’s online hub for news and information on COVID-19, the disease that's killed over a million Americans, now redirects to a new White House website that blames China for the pandemic.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to reducing waste and redirecting organic materials from the landfill, making your own compost from food scraps produces good mineral soil for your garden.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divert. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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