diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio)
dī-, 
-shən
Synonyms of diversion
1
: the act or an instance of diverting or straying from a course, activity, or use : deviation
Bad weather forced the diversion of several flights.
2
: something that diverts or amuses : pastime
Hiking is one of her favorite diversions.
a welcome diversion from the pressures of the job
3
: an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation
You create a diversion while I sneak inside the building.
4
British : a temporary traffic detour

Synonyms of diversion

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Examples of diversion in a Sentence

small diversions of river water for irrigation Hiking is one of my favorite diversions. Our town offers few diversions. Sports provide him with a welcome diversion from the pressures of his job. He created a diversion while his partner stole her pocketbook.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gatherings were family events meant for diversion, Paul said. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Less snowpack, as well as more water diversions for agricultural and urban uses, has brought the lake down to less than 33% full and 8 feet below its minimum healthy elevation. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026 Steiner said smaller floods can sometimes be managed with diversions that keep debris and high flows away from expensive infrastructure and tunnels. — Victoria Milko, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 But that decline is not even across place or institution; it has been concentrated in cities and liberal-leaning states that have implemented expansive criminal justice reforms and diversion courts. — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diversion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dyversioun "process of diverting superfluous humors," borrowed from Late Latin dīversiōn-, dīversiō "turning away," from Latin dīvertere "to separate oneself (from), be different" and dēvertere "to turn away, divert" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at divert

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diversion was in 1600

Rhymes for diversion

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Browse Nearby Words

diversify
diversion
diversional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversion. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio)
dī-
1
: the act or an instance of diverting or turning aside
2
: something that relaxes, amuses, or entertains
diversionary
-zhə-ˌner-ē
adjective

Legal Definition

diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən, dī- How to pronounce diversion (audio)
: the act or an instance of diverting: as
a
: an unauthorized rerouting or appropriation
diversion of funds
b
: suspension of the prosecution of a charge for a period of time during which the defendant participates in a rehabilitation program or makes restitution and after which the charges are dismissed if the rehabilitation or restitution is completed compare probation
diversionary
-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə- How to pronounce diversion (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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