DESERTION Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

desertion

noun

di-ˈzər-shən

Definition of desertion

as in abandonment

the act of abandoning the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts

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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.

Recent Examples of desertion Ukraine appears to be facing a higher rate of desertion than Russia. — Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily. — Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 The officer said there have been an undetermined number of desertions among Cuban personnel, with some seeking to remain in Venezuela rather than return to the island. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026 Sabogal was arrested and charged with 1 count of child neglect and two counts of desertion of a child. — Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desertion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desertion

abandonment

Noun

The note appears twice in handwriting and is typed again on the final report of well abandonment.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
For Smotkin, the water crisis reflects the island’s history of structural neglect and systemic abandonment by both local and federal authorities.

— Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of abandonment

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deserting

desertion

desertions

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“Desertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desertion. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of desertion

noun

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