swerve

1
2
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the bike path gently swerves to the right

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction the hurricane had been following the coastline before it swerved and headed inland

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swerve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of swerve are depart, deviate, digress, diverge, and veer. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

Where would depart be a reasonable alternative to swerve?

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

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

When might deviate be a better fit than swerve?

Although the words deviate and swerve have much in common, deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

When could digress be used to replace swerve?

The words digress and swerve can be used in similar contexts, but digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

How are the words diverge and depart related as synonyms of swerve?

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 would veer be a good substitute for swerve?

In some situations, the words veer and swerve are roughly equivalent. However, veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

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 swerve In 2023, about 20 hives of honeybees toppled from a truck in Canada as the driver swerved to avoid a deer. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025 That could include speeding, running a red light, swerving, or possible DWI behavior. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025 The approaching line of low-flying Canadas swerved abruptly and, apparently just out of range, swung across my front. Nash Buckingham, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025 Kill swerved his squad to the left, stopped in the 900 block of Euclid Street and took cover under the driver compartment. Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for swerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swerve
Verb
  • On anyone else, this look could easily veer into pajama party territory.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 9 July 2025
  • The pickup truck rear-ended the first vehicle, which then veered off the road, crashed through a fence and came to rest on the west side, according to authorities.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead of straight paths, employ a curving pathway to reveal one part of the garden at a time.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Enormous live oaks shade many of the curving pathways, and sycamores, replanted during the 1990s renovation of the Capitol Complex, line the formal processional walk to the south of the baroque domed structure.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • The Epstein flap, as of Monday night, now appears to be the latest example of a second Trump term that’s been defined by the president’s ability to bend GOP lawmakers and his base to his will.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
  • If the White man stands for innovation, grit, and not bending to PC nonsense, count me in.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the Olympian’s attention deviated to the officer’s appearance.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • That’s not dissimilar from what happened in the TikTok case, where the justices — including the liberals — deviated from free-speech norms because they were panicked by concerns about China.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • After my first facial with esthetician Talia Rosen, I was hooked.
    Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
  • This mixer comes with essential attachments like a coated flat beater, coated dough hook, six-wire whip and a pouring shield.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Brock just turned 7 and was going for his first camp experience.
    Janelle Griffith, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • That turned into a backlash from within Trump's MAGA base when the DOJ and the FBI then stated in a memo there would be no new investigations of uncharged third parties.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • It is best observed from dark sky locations far from bright city lights, and appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south.
    John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
  • The gracefully arching evergreen foliage is edged in golden yellow, perfect for brightening shady gardens or porch pots year-round.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • When Bacho moves in to make a move, Sakamoto swings a stock pot at Bacho's head, rendering him unconscious.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • But when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building block, Batchelor swung at the chance.
    Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swerve. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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