swerve
verb (used without object)
to turn aside abruptly in movement or direction; deviate suddenly from the straight or direct course.
swerved
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past participleof swerve.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof swerve.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
swerveverb (used without object)to turn aside abruptly in movement or direction; deviate suddenly from the straight or direct course.
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.
More than two decades after these aired, we’ve swerved between an age of unattainable thinness being pushed as a cultural ideal and a time of healthy-at-any-size body positivity from which we’re slowly regressing.
From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2026
But an impromptu audition with material from “Othello” suddenly swerved him into the acting profession — where he has done quite well.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
The bus swerved to avoid her, meaning she was not seriously injured.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026
Critics say the prime minister has swerved from one policy misstep to another during his 22 months at the helm.
From Barron's ● May 14, 2026
At the last second, I swerved away, defying death and tempting the serpent.
From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck
