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Definition of diversionary

diversionary

/daɪˈvɜːr.ʒən.er.i/
di · ver · sion · ar · y
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diversionary Lexical Profile

diversionary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Intended to distract or draw attention away from a primary purpose, issue, or course of action.

Example

"The politician's sudden announcement was widely viewed as a diversionary tactic to deflect questions about the budget deficit."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for diversionary

• Nearby Words

diversifier
diversify
diversion
diversionary
diversity
divert
diverter

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun 'diversion' and the adjectival suffix '-ary', ultimately tracing back to Late Latin 'diversionem', from 'divertere' (to turn aside).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Diversionary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/diversionary
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