diversion

noun

də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio)
Definition of diversionnext
1
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a scavenger hunt was organized as a diversion for the guests at the party

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amusement
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public movies and television became two of the most popular and influential diversions of the 20th century

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard carefully weighed testimony that did not contain the slightest diversion from the truth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 diversion Tuesday morning’s workout brought a welcome diversion from drills, when SDSU players and coaches moved from the turf to the grass practice field and actually played some football. — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 The movie’s greatest diversion occurs when Wilson meets an aging rock-and-roll musician, and his rock documentary becomes a literal rockumentary. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026 The alliance terminated its contract with Warner Wellness in June 2024 as outcry grew over Andrew Do’s diversion of pandemic relief funds. — Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2026 Money will also go toward eviction prevention and shelter diversion programs to reduce the strain on winter shelters. — Jack Springgate, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diversion
  1. entertainment
  2. amusement
  3. deviation
  4. recreation
  5. departure
  6. delight
  7. detour
  8. fun
Noun
  • Except that’s how the entertainment business works these days, and those deals did pay them millions (the Netflix production deal was reported to be in the $100-million range).
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There is a popular misconception that home entertainment has steadily diminished theatrical exhibition.
    — Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • And the crowd on-hand watching the festivities roared in amusement.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
  • New Atlas The rides were in varying stages of decay, and there seemed to be a lot of orphaned carousel horses from other amusement centers dotted across the park.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • The trivial and the momentous can be connected; small deviations can set us on larger paths.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Any deviation from that purpose is an indicator of compromise.
    — Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of deviation
Noun
  • The guidance comes after residents cited noise, effects on wildlife and a desire to preserve natural areas used for recreation, hunting and fishing, according to a press release from the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Intended to preserve the human-scale coastal character, conservation values, passive recreation function, neighborhood compatibility and ecological and recreational function of North Hollywood Beach Park and surrounding coastal areas.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • In 2023, Quality Control was acquired by Hybe America, led by Scooter Braun, before his departure as CEO in July 2025.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Harry and Meghan’s departure reflected both the larger struggle Black Brits and Americans face and the no-contact rifts that increasingly divide many families.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of departure
Noun
  • But that misses the delight Arzner took in her stars and in the backlot drama of the studios.
    — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Here again, in this slim book, the narrative unfolds in fragments, every sentence drawing you deeper into the delights of language.
    — Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight
Noun
  • The remaining episodes—a trip to Charleston, with a detour to a Boeing plant; a trip to Texas, with a detour to a CRH subsidiary; a trip to Arizona, with a ride in a Waymo—mostly settle back into the tedium of Episode 1.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Mother was the destination, but the slaps, pineapple, goat, and countless detours made the journey worthwhile.
    — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of detour
Noun
  • Leo July 23 – August 22 The fun plan in the group chat may need a little more flexibility today.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • June 21 – July 22 A clear budget can make today’s fun easier to enjoy.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fun

Browse Nearby Words

diverseness
diversion
diversions
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Cite this Entry

“Diversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diversion. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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