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 unusual diversion also led to discussion among travelers online, some of whom shared their own experiences with restroom problems aboard flights. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Lopez’s mother, Allison Lyman, and other family members had pressed state lawmakers to change California’s vehicular manslaughter law to prohibit diversion in such cases. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The family is also supporting efforts in the state Legislature to change how diversion can be used in misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Concierge specials such as creating your own gin at a nearby Palma distillery or watching espadrilles being made in Palma’s Olivar market are original diversions. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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
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