adj

diversionary

dih-VZHUH-neh-ree

Diversionary (adj) means Intended to draw attention or effort away from the main issue or target. Example: “The general ordered a diversionary attack to draw troops away from the real assault.”

adj

Intended to draw attention or effort away from the main issue or target.

"The general ordered a diversionary attack to draw troops away from the real assault."

"Critics called the announcement a diversionary tactic to bury bad economic news."

How to use diversionary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes a move or tactic designed to distract from what really matters.

Common pairings

diversionary tactic diversionary attack

Word forms

more diversionary comparative, most diversionary superlative

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The general ordered a _____ attack to draw troops away from the real assault.

Etymology

Formed from diversion plus the adjective suffix -ary.

Rhymes for diversionary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

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Frequently asked questions

What does “diversionary” mean?

The word “diversionary” means intended to draw attention or effort away from the main issue or target. In plain terms, describes a move or tactic designed to distract from what really matters.

How do you pronounce “diversionary”?

“Diversionary” is pronounced dih-VZHUH-neh-ree (/d(a)ɪˈvɝʒəˌnɛɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “diversionary” in a sentence?

Here is “diversionary” used in a sentence: “The general ordered a diversionary attack to draw troops away from the real assault.”

What part of speech is “diversionary”?

“Diversionary” is an adjective.