diversionary

[dih-vur-zhuh-ner-ee, -shuh-, dahy-]

tending to divert or distract the attention: diversionary tactics of the guerrilla fighters.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1840–50; diversion + -ary

Last week, the trial took a diversionary turn of another kind courtesy of an event outside the courtroom.
The Hidden Horror of Whitey Bulger’s Trial|T.J. English|July 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In each case, the Justice Department used a diversionary tactic to contain the damage and to distract the public from the truth.
Edward Snowden’s Whistleblowing Saga Mirrors the Karen Silkwood Case|Richard Rashke|July 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This is a charge that would typically be resolved with a diversionary program.
Sovereign Citizens Are a Sometimes Violent Fringe Group Rejecting All Government|Winston Ross|December 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“He responds to serious criticism by a biting wisecrack or diversionary personal attack,” Evans added.
Sir Harold Evans Fights Back Against Rupert Murdoch at Leveson Inquiry|Mike Giglio|May 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST

He responds to serious criticism by a biting wisecrack or diversionary personal attack.
Harold Evans Responds to Murdoch|Harold Evans|April 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
"I'm going to try a diversionary tactic," Gunderson said on untappable tight-beam.
Postmark Ganymede|Robert Silverberg
On the other hand, this raid was, and would be, basically a diversionary tactic.
Anything You Can Do ...|Gordon Randall Garrett
The diversionary measures actually undertaken will be described presently.
The Blocking of Zeebrugge|Alfred F. B. Carpenter
Without the benefit of a diversionary assault, two columns advanced simultaneously upon the right flank of the fort.
Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina|Frank Barnes
Diversionary measures in this particular case were not difficult to evolve.
The Blocking of Zeebrugge|Alfred F. B. Carpenter