Definitions

swerve

[swurv] / swɜrv /

VERB

turn aside, often to avoid collision

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deflect lurch skid stray veer

STRONG

bend depart deviate dip diverge err incline move sheer shift sideslip sidestep skew slue swing tack turn wander waver wind

WEAK

depart from get off course go off course sheer off train off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

go direct stay

STRONG

remain 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.

The footage shows the oncoming bus is forced to swerve into the adjacent lane to avoid hitting the woman.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

But things can just swerve health-wise—well, anytime in life, but especially for octogenarians.

From Slate • Jun. 14, 2026

I want to swerve here to talk about the word that keeps coming to mind when I look at the president’s leadership, and it is “mood.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Still, I’ve decided to simply embrace my butt, even with its quirky swerve.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

Kevin, meanwhile, was someone who swerved—who even relished the swerve.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing swerve

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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!

Walk Two Moons

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!

Bridge to Terabithia

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!