diversionary

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

adjective

1. tending to divert or distract the attention:

   diversionary tactics of the guerrilla fighters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversionary¹

First recorded in 1840–50; diversion + -ary

Example Sentences

This could be another diversionary strategy to make us believe that they are following the federal court’s orders.

From Washington Blade

He says a great deal of human activity is basically diversionary.

From Vox

Rice managed to avoid jail time by entering a pretrial diversionary program.

From The Daily Beast

Last week, the trial took a diversionary turn of another kind courtesy of an event outside the courtroom.

From The Daily Beast

In each case, the Justice Department used a diversionary tactic to contain the damage and to distract the public from the truth.

From The Daily Beast

This is a charge that would typically be resolved with a diversionary program.

From The Daily Beast

“He responds to serious criticism by a biting wisecrack or diversionary personal attack,” Evans added.

From The Daily Beast

The diversionary measures actually undertaken will be described presently.

From Project Gutenberg

He maintained a professional diversionary chatter as he administered the drug.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'm going to try a diversionary tactic," Gunderson said on untappable tight-beam.

From Project Gutenberg

Diversionary measures in this particular case were not difficult to evolve.

From Project Gutenberg

Without the benefit of a diversionary assault, two columns advanced simultaneously upon the right flank of the fort.

From Project Gutenberg