Definition of desertionnext
as in abandonment
the act of abandoning the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of desertion And while his troops have continued to prevent a total collapse of the front line, the odds may yet worsen as reports indicate an uptick in desertion rates and military-age males fleeing the country. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025 In 2017, Bergdahl pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025 Mobilization has stalled, with brigades undermanned, and desertion in the ranks is a mounting problem. Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office said in November more than 100,000 soldiers had been charged under desertion laws since the start of the conflict. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desertion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desertion
abandonment
Noun
  • Nora, a volatile actress struggling with crippling stage fright, is consumed by deep resentment over her father’s abandonment.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Its abandonment, with powder canisters spilling across the rock, suggested that its owner left in haste.
    Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Desertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desertion. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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