1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Combatting anti-Semitism might seem like a diversion from the more urgent work of opposing war and occupation, especially after two years of unspeakable carnage in Gaza—but this issue is far too important for the pro-Palestinian movement to ignore. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2025 That willingness to play fast and loose with history gained new momentum in the Monster series, the first two seasons of which made questionable diversions from the life of Jeffrey Dahmer and the saga of the Menendez brothers. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025 Those areas include youth investment, violence diversion work, community violence intervention, crime survivor support, reintegration and community-police relations. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The Shah placed water-hungry industries such as steel and petrochemicals in Iran’s driest central plateau in Isfahan and Fars provinces, tying development of heavy industry to regions with no water of their own and dependent on diversions from other basins. Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diversion
Noun
  • Originally from Austin, TX, Ben feels right at home in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene of Northwest Arkansas.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The center, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, typically hosts live entertainment during the event and showcases the work of its senior citizen artists.
    Micah Walker, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The film takes place in 1954 almost exclusively over the course of one evening at a party thrown by the newly wed Hedda who wields literal and figurative weapons for her own personal amusement and potential financial gain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The new security measures announced in May also included a requirement for minors to be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older in the ride area, but organizers announced in August that the 2025 festival would not have amusement rides.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • But these past two games have been a stark deviation from that clean brand of football.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These figures are based on tourism impact calculators measuring lodging, dining, retail and recreation spending in Bentonville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The new buildings are designed to create a resort-like atmosphere where boat owners can work, work out or enjoy two separate bayside recreation areas.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Following her departure from the New York Times in 2020, Weiss sought out a market for her television skills without success.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Bain added that separation anxiety can be eased or prevented by gradually teaching canines to feel safe when alone, using enrichment such as toys or food puzzles, playing calming background noise, and keeping departures low-key.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The most responsible way to communicate the delight is to share a few details but leapfrog over their place in the plot and head straight to the mighty conceit that connects them.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The roughly 200-mile stretch through northern Wisconsin is a particular delight, venturing from massive waterfalls (Copper Falls State Park and Pattison State Park) to countless lakes and the pine tunnels of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your next destination is high atop a mountain to the north, but take a detour first into the adjacent port town of Sollér, known for its pottery and handmade textiles.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • With more time, detour west for a half-day into tiny Siloam Springs, home to a postcard-charming downtown and impressive kayak park (open year-round; just check the website for current river conditions).
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Tractor hayrides, a petting zoo, face painting and live entertainment are on deck while the kids can also go trick-or-treating with the local businesses, which participate in the fun.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • This is not easy information for a kid to digest, and the filmmakers don’t always make their heavy themes as fun and palatable as in a Pixar flick.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diversion. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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