diversionary

adjective

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di·ver·sion·ary | \ də-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē

, dī-, -shə- \

Definition of diversionary

: 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 The program will target recidivism and use a diversionary program in lieu of making an arrest, according to Trinity and Orland Park, which plans to formally announce the program Wednesday. — Mike Nolan, chicagotribune.com, "Ingalls Hospital in pilot program for treating mental health issues of nonviolent offenders," 4 Dec. 2020 That meant that 16- and 17-year-olds were removed from the adult system, lowering penalties for drug possession and offering diversionary programs for people with mental health conditions. — Kelan Lyons, courant.com, "FBI report: Connecticut has nation’s second-largest drop in violent crime in 2019," 29 Sep. 2020 She was rescued on April 1, 2003 by U.S. special operations forces who staged a diversionary attack after having been alerted of her whereabouts by a local lawyer, who cautioned that Lynch had been tortured and was badly injured, but alive. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Former Iraq POW Jessica Lynch on what helps her thrive after captivity: 'Every day is a constant reminder'," 22 Sep. 2020 Policing is not a federal issue and is irrelevant to the presidential election, other than as diversionary rhetoric. — Star Tribune, "Readers Write: Police reform, DFL candidate John Thompson, the mail, photography," 18 Aug. 2020 Thompson, of the Blue Hills neighborhood, has also served on the Hartford Juvenile Review Board, a diversionary program for young offenders. — Rebecca Lurye, courant.com, "Hartford’s new Police Accountability Review Board taking shape; two vacancies being filled on existing civilian watchdog group," 11 Aug. 2020 That’s most unfortunate for Allison, who, like Straus, is a pragmatist with little patience for diversionary wedge-issue politics. — Gilbert Garcia, ExpressNews.com, "Garcia: Montoya aims for an upset in GOP House District," 8 Aug. 2020 RCVs could be sent on dangerous diversionary operations, pining enemy defenders in place while a human formation attacks elsewhere. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "This Robot Tank Is a Glimpse at the Future of Armored Warfare," 23 June 2020 Some Venezuelans, used to Mr Maduro’s diversionary tactics, refused to believe the story. — The Economist, "Bay of piglets Nicolás Maduro celebrates a farcical attempt to remove him from power," 14 May 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diversionary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.