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
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.
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 Other see a diversionary tactic or simple attention-trolling, as other stories including ‘Signalgate’ and a stumbling stock market afflict Trump. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diversionary

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diversionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversionary. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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