DESERTION Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

desertion

noun

di-ˈzər-shən

Definition of desertion

as in abandonment

the act of abandoning the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts

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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 The Iranian regime is recruiting children and sending out mass recruitment messages via text, signaling there may be truth to the White House’s claim that the Islamic regime is suffering widespread desertions. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2026 Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily. — Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 Ukraine faces severe personnel shortages with around 200,000 military desertions and 2 million draft-dodgers, threatening its ability to sustain the war against Russia’s 2022 invasion. — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing around 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in January. — ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desertion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desertion

abandonment

Noun

For fast fashion retailers, the first discount typically lands within four to twelve hours of abandonment.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 July 2026
In 2017, still a puppy, he was rescued from abandonment and mistreatment by the Asociación Pro Defensa de los Animales, which restored his health and, with it, his chances.

— Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of abandonment

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deserting

desertion

desertions

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“Desertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desertion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of desertion

noun

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