desertion
noun
de·ser·tion
di-ˈzər-shən 
Examples of desertion in a Sentence
the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts
Recent Examples on the Web
Wide-scale desertions and 2 million draft dodgers are among a raft of challenges for Ukraine, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said last month.
—
Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Eddie Slovik was executed by a firing squad for desertion, the first American soldier since the Civil War to be executed in such a manner and the only soldier in World War II to receive such a punishment.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Its defense minister last week reported some 200,000 troop desertions, and draft-dodging by about 2 million Ukrainians.
—Kamila Hrabchuk, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2026
Its defense minister last week reported some 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by about 2 million Ukrainians.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for desertion
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.
Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Eddie Slovik was executed by a firing squad for desertion, the first American soldier since the Civil War to be executed in such a manner and the only soldier in World War II to receive such a punishment.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Its defense minister last week reported some 200,000 troop desertions, and draft-dodging by about 2 million Ukrainians.
—Kamila Hrabchuk, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2026
Its defense minister last week reported some 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by about 2 million Ukrainians.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for desertion
Cite this Entry
“Desertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desertion. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
