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diversionary

American

[dih-vur-zhuh-ner-ee, -shuh-, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜr ʒəˌnɛr i, -ʃə-, daɪ- /

adjective

tending to divert or distract the attention.

diversionary tactics of the guerrilla fighters.

Etymology

Origin of diversionary

First recorded in 1840–50; diversion + -ary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But European consumer association Foodwatch accused multinationals of focusing on thresholds as a "diversionary tactic".

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

She touted the benefits of a diversionary program for first time, nonviolent offenders that Harris implemented as the district attorney in San Francisco.

From Slate • May 24, 2024

Lines between Bristol Parkway and Swindon, and Westbury and Taunton are blocked by flooding, and trains are running on a diversionary route.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2023

There are the expected diversionary battles, skittering creepy-crawlies and a fresh reminder of Indy’s horror of snakes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2023

A small diversionary force feinted northward toward Bursa.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023