veer right

Meanings

1. 1phraseintransitive

   to change direction gradually toward the right while moving.

   Grammar: No object; it describes the movement of a person, vehicle, road, or path.

   Patterns

   • veer right at something
   • veer right onto something
   • veer right into something

   The road veers right after the bridge, so stay in the left lane.

   The cyclist veered right to avoid a pothole.

   Keep going straight until the path veers right near the lake.

2. 2phraseintransitivefigurative

   to change from one opinion, policy, or topic toward a more right-wing position.

   Grammar: Often used about political parties or newspapers; no object is needed.

   Patterns

   • veer right on something
   • veer right politically

   The party veered right on immigration before the election.

   Some commentators say the newspaper has veered right in recent years.

Common combinations

veer sharply right

The car veered sharply right and nearly hit the curb.

veer right at the fork

Veer right at the fork and follow the signs to the airport.

the road veers right

The road veers right just past the school.

veer right off the road

The truck veered right off the road during the storm.

Synonyms and how they differ

turn right

Use 'turn right' for a deliberate, often sharper change of direction, especially at a corner; 'veer right' suggests a gradual movement.

swing right

Use 'swing right' for a wider, more noticeable movement, often of a vehicle or a heavy object.

bear right

Use 'bear right' especially in directions for a gentle change of direction, often at a fork.

Opposites

Word family

veer verb

to change direction suddenly or gradually.

Commonly confused: veer right or veer?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “veer right”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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