digression

Definition of digressionnext
as in tangent
a departure from the subject under consideration the professor's frequent and extended digressions are the stuff of campus legend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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 digression The play is stacked with laugh lines and Greenberg’s deliciously writerly digressions. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 The plot takes quite a few wild digressions on our heroes’ way to meeting Hamm (who also gives an excellent performance as himself). Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026 As a host, Bragg was both inviting and impatient, genuinely curious about his guests’ ideas but intolerant of digression or indulgent nerding out. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026 The conversation has been necessarily condensed for clarity and to take out vast numbers of further digressions. Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for digression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for digression
tangent
Noun
  • June 21 – July 22 Wandering down conversational tangents will be especially tempting today.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The original investigation spawned two main tangents involving Becciu, once a leading Vatican cardinal and future papal contender.
    NICOLE WINFIELD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Digression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/digression. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on digression

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster