deflect
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.
“This is just a fig leaf to deflect from criticism,” Ocasio-Cortez posted on X External link in response to Kalshi’s new measures.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
Gen. Pam Bondi tried to deflect questions about her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein records by crowing about it.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
With the puck inches away from sneaking past him, a desperate, flailing Hellebuyck reached back and somehow managed to deflect it away at the last possible moment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
When called to testify before an oversight board, a police official can deflect accusations of targeting specific racial groups or poorer neighborhoods, claiming that they are merely following the objective dictates of a machine.
From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026
“Fine, that was a cheap shot,” he admitted, bringing his sword up to deflect another blow.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.