diversionary
Meant to mislead
Diversionary describes something intended to distract attention from the main issue or action.
A diversionary tactic draws focus away from what's really happening.
Military forces launch diversionary attacks to mislead enemies about their true objectives.
Politicians may raise diversionary issues to deflect scrutiny from embarrassing topics.
The word carries a slight suggestion of deception or manipulation.
Deceptive mock attack
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
subterfuge · smokescreen · red herring · camouflage · disguise · bluff · gambit · artifice
Thing diverting one's attention
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- redirectionChange of course
- sidetrackDivert from purpose
avert · derail · interrupt · disrupt · unfocus · scatter · disengage · detour
Pleased entertainment state
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
- escapismHabitual mental retreat
- leisureFree time for relaxation
respite · relaxation · distraction · entertainment · fun · play · lighthearted · frivolous
Sudden armed incursion
- sortieArmed raid outward
- flankingAt the sides of
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
incursion · skirmish · bombardment · assault · operation · strike · counterattack · infiltration
feint
Deceptive mock attack
stratagem · subterfuge · smokescreen · red herring · camouflage · disguise · bluff · gambit · artifice · maneuver
distraction
Thing diverting one's attention
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- redirectionChange of course
sidetrack · avert · derail · interrupt · disrupt · unfocus · scatter · disengage · detour · digression
amusement
Pleased entertainment state
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
- escapismHabitual mental retreat
leisure · respite · relaxation · distraction · entertainment · fun · play · lighthearted · frivolous · trivial
raid
Sudden armed incursion
sabotage · incursion · skirmish · bombardment · assault · operation · strike · counterattack · infiltration · reconnaissance
mislead
Cause false belief
bamboozle · con · trick · manipulate · misrepresent · misinform · disinform · hoax · swindle · beguile
diversionarydirect
Undeviating or to guide
frontal · straightforward · head-on · forthright · straight
- diversionary tacticsActions meant to mislead
- diversionary attackOffensive to mislead enemy
diverse, convert, universe, diversity, diversion, divert, invert, revert, pervert