diversionary
adjective
di·ver·sion·ary
də-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē 
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
Effective last December, anyone who gets accused of a DUI within 10 years of completing a diversionary program will now be treated as a repeat offender.
—
Tory Wegerski, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Officers called for flash-bang devices — diversionary explosives that create a loud noise and bright flash meant to disorient — to subdue the animals, the footage shows.
—Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
Before the city installed diversionary pipes and drains, almost every neighborhood had a natural pond or two.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
So all this is sort of a diversionary debate.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diversionary
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.
Tory Wegerski, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Officers called for flash-bang devices — diversionary explosives that create a loud noise and bright flash meant to disorient — to subdue the animals, the footage shows.
—Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
Before the city installed diversionary pipes and drains, almost every neighborhood had a natural pond or two.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
So all this is sort of a diversionary debate.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diversionary
Cite this Entry
“Diversionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversionary. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
