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

Although the logic of diversionary aggression has an intuitive appeal, there is little reason to think that domestic challenges will tempt China’s leadership to launch a war abroad. —Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2023

So don't go swatting a feathered invader with a broom or plotting a troublesome bird's demise; instead, try some diversionary tactics. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Four of those cases did not result in charges and three were referred to a city attorney hearing, essentially a diversionary process that often ends without the filing of charges. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Reyes, 47, who was charged with menacing and assault after that attack, pleaded guilty in that case in August — entering a diversionary program, according to a law enforcement source. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

diversion + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diversionary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary