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 all this is sort of a diversionary debate. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026 All five students agreed to the diversionary programs, officials said. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 15 June 2026 According to court records, both cases have been sealed from public view, which can be done in instances when a diversionary program is on the table. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2026 Flores Silva’s bodyguards dispersed as a diversionary tactic, but he was found while trying to hide in a drainage pipe. — Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026 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

Rhymes for diversionary

See All Rhymes for diversionary

Browse Nearby Words

diversional
diversionary
diversionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diversionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversionary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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