diversion
7 synonyms for diversion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something done to distract attention from what is really happening.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use diversion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
create a diversion
a welcome diversion
traffic diversion
Etymology
From Middle English diversion, ultimately from Latin divertere, "to turn aside" — the same root as divert.
Full origin of diversion →Frequently asked questions
What does “diversion” mean?
The word “diversion” means something done to distract attention from what is really happening. In plain terms, something that pulls attention or traffic away from its normal path — whether that's a distraction, a hobby, or a detour on the road.
How do you pronounce “diversion”?
“Diversion” is pronounced deye-VUR-shuhn (/dɪˈvɝ.ʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “diversion” in a sentence?
Here is “diversion” used in a sentence: “The robbers created a diversion outside while their partner slipped in the back door.”
What is another word for “diversion”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diversion” include feint.
What part of speech is “diversion”?
“Diversion” is a noun.
Where does the word “diversion” come from?
The word “diversion” comes from Latin. From Middle English diversion, ultimately from Latin divertere, "to turn aside" — the same root as divert.
Is “diversion” a common word?
“Diversion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “diversion” have?
“Diversion” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something done to distract attention from what is really happening.
