diversionary

adjective

di·​ver·​sion·​ary də-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce diversionary (audio)
dī-,
-shə-
: tending to draw attention away from the principal concern : being a diversion

Examples of diversionary in a Sentence

This is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to distract attention from the issues.
Recent Examples on the Web Rather than acknowledging the actual causes of today’s income-sapping inflation and high drug prices, far-leftists, such as millionaire socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, indulge in diversionary political theater to mask Democratic policy failings. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Here are the facts about the economy and immigration the Harris-Walz campaign must master proudly rather than be sheepishly defensive or diversionary. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2024 His attorney, Claudia Montoya, explained to Parker that Wright was awaiting the results of an application to move the trial to a diversionary court better suited to defendants with mental health issues. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 May 2024 Nancy Burton appeared in court on Monday in Danbury, where she was expected to be granted a diversionary program in the form of 30 days of accelerated rehabilitation. Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diversionary 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diversionary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

diversion + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diversionary was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near diversionary

Cite this Entry

“Diversionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversionary. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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