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

Wildlife managers used tactics including drones, beanbags, diversionary feeding, deterrent fences and round-the-clock field presence, but the wolves persisted in killing cattle, the DFW said. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Some have seen Trump’s third-term talk as a diversionary tactic of trolling the left. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Oct. 2025

Experiencing these activities with friends could heighten the level of enjoyment and maximize the diversionary aspect of these outings. —Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

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

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