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

Earlier this week, I explained why Attorney General Bondi’s request that federal judges release grand jury transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein prosecutions is a none-too-clever diversionary tactic.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2025

Four of those cases did not result in charges and three were referred to a city attorney hearing, essentially a diversionary process that often ends without the filing of charges.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2025

They said motorists should allow extra time for their journeys and take extra care on the diversionary routes.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2024

He signaled Fangburn to begin the diversionary assault.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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