1
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
a scavenger hunt was organized as a diversion for the guests at the party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amusement
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public
movies and television became two of the most popular and influential diversions of the 20th century
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard
carefully weighed testimony that did not contain the slightest diversion from the truth
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diversion
Uthmeier and top DeSantis officials have refused to answer key questions about the diversion of $10 million in funds, such as what the money was ultimately spent on.
—
Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Concerns about diversion and terrorism have been used to justify shutting down all assistance to Afghanistan and Yemen—countries where urgent intervention is needed to prevent deaths from malnutrition, according to the federal government’s famine data.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
To meet this obligation, Mexico operates a large river diversion structure and pumping plant just south of the border.
—Doug Liden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
But Conlon didn’t grant IRTBA a permanent injunction banning future diversions of transportation tax revenue.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diversion
Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Concerns about diversion and terrorism have been used to justify shutting down all assistance to Afghanistan and Yemen—countries where urgent intervention is needed to prevent deaths from malnutrition, according to the federal government’s famine data.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
To meet this obligation, Mexico operates a large river diversion structure and pumping plant just south of the border.
—Doug Liden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
But Conlon didn’t grant IRTBA a permanent injunction banning future diversions of transportation tax revenue.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diversion
Noun
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Curry admitted that his entertainment side gigs — filmmaking and acting — require two very different skill sets.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lake Como’s roots date back to 1889, when Denver investors dammed a creek about 5 miles west of downtown and built a luxury resort, casino and amusement rides modeled after Como, Italy.—
Kamal Morgan
February 7,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Although disappointed that the audio leaked, many players look back on it with amusement.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Men’s football continues to be dominated by a hegemonic masculinity that punishes any deviation from the norm.—
Colin Millar,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio.—
Amanda Luberto,
AZCentral.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This is, of course, impacting snowpack in California’s mountains — snow that is a vital source of water for the state’s agriculture, recreation (ski tourism), and energy.—
Monica Garske,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Today the acreage is managed for sustainable forestry, recreation, and carbon storage.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For now, the agency still represents other A-list talent including Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay and Tyler, the Creator, though many in the industry suspect a wave of departures is coming.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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Her answer is a departure in terms of how publicly it was stated.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Their film explores the vulnerability of the trans-masculine community by delving into Bean and Rozos’ own personal experiences, intertwined with the delights, challenges, and tragedy within Brockington and Prescott’s lives.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto squealed with delight when presented with a Tina plushie, while freestyle skier Eileen Gu hoisted the mascot into the air after earning a silver medal.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Expect backups and a few detours.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
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Cowbells echoed through the hills, and Scouts sprinted down the path, making detours like little mountain goats.—
Alice Gregory,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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It must be understood that historical references to this team are like prompts on an online dating profile — not under any circumstances to be taken seriously, but a fun jumping off point.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Each detail represented the young princess’s developing aesthetic—one that was vibrant, feminine, and fun.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diversion. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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