veer 1 of 2

verb

ˈvir How to pronounce veer (audio)
Definition of veernext
1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction at this point the river veers to the southwest before finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) veered the ship abruptly to the right to avoid a collision

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to swerve
to depart abruptly from a straight line or course without warning the car veered to the left and into an oncoming truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

veer

2 of 2

noun

as in turn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb veer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of veer are depart, deviate, digress, diverge, and swerve. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

When would depart be a good substitute for veer?

While in some cases nearly identical to veer, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

When could deviate be used to replace veer?

The synonyms deviate and veer are sometimes interchangeable, but deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

In what contexts can digress take the place of veer?

Although the words digress and veer have much in common, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

How do diverge and depart relate to one another, in the sense of veer?

Diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When might swerve be a better fit than veer?

The words swerve and veer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

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 veer
Verb
And, not surprisingly, the more people veering off the path by 13 degrees or more, the amount of disorder also increased. —New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025 The mangled cars veered out of control and crashed on the highway, cops said. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
The remarks rarely veer into overtly political territory. —Kellen Browning, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 Unable to admit the depth of her jealousy (here, the narrative veers into Baby Mama territory), Lainy distances herself from Kate to indulge in her own fantasy. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for veer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for veer
  1. deviate
  2. turn
  3. swerve
  4. twist
  5. swing
  6. cut
  7. bend
  8. divert
Verb
  • The Justice Department also said that DOGE access doesn't deviate significantly from normal practices inside the agency, where employees are routinely allowed to search its databases.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Their decisions often deviated from strict legal precedent when faced with sympathetic defendants.
    — Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • The pair was involved in a heated altercation that reportedly turned physical before paramedics arrived on the scene, according to TMZ.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Roast Salmon With Citrus and Coconut-Chile Crunch Crispy, toasty, and spicy, this quick coconut-chile crunch topping turns a simple salad into a whole lot of fun.
    — Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of turn
Verb
  • But by the time early voting ended this weekend, early turnout totals had swerved back toward the Republican side.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
  • How can President Donald Trump swerve the U.S. Constitution in order to remain as Commander-in-Chief for a third term? Jon Stewart believes the answer might lie in classic ‘90s action flick Face/Off, which starred Nicolas Cage and John Travolta.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of swerve
Noun
  • Update: Republished on March 23 with a warning into a new text attack and a twist on this surging Chinese threat, with additional advice on how to stay safe.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Watch Servant on Apple TV+ Mythic Quest Mythic Quest is a workplace comedy with a massive twist.
    — Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of twist
Verb
  • Still no timetable on anything, but he’s been able to swing the bat and feel like there’s been some steady improvement day after day.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With Orlando trailing by 2 points less than a minute into the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center following a disastrous third, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball looked to swing the ball to Nick Smith Jr. waiting in the corner.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of swing
Verb
  • The mom of one most notably cut her hair in January 2023, debuting a head-turning, blunt bob.
    — Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Logistics giants elsewhere in the supply chain are cutting employees as well.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of cut
Noun
  • Editor’s tip: The 65 mm barrel size is also ideal for creating voluminous soft bends and movement in medium to longer lengths.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Before massaging castor oil into your navel area, apply a small amount for 7-10 days on a small patch of skin at the bend of your elbow to check for skin irritation.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of bend
Verb
  • In 1959, Prince Edward County, Virginia, closed its public schools for five years, diverting tax monies to build a K-12 private academy for 1,400 white students and allotting their families tuition grants.
    — Essence, Essence, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Lawrence Hayes was most of the way to London from New York when Virgin Atlantic announced the plane was being diverted to Glasgow.
    — BRIAN MELLEY, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of divert

Browse Nearby Words

veejays
veer
veered
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Cite this Entry

“Veer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/veer. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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