DESERTION Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

desertion

noun

di-ˈzər-shən

Definition of desertion

as in abandonment

the act of abandoning the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts

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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 desertion Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing around 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in January. — ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026 The Iranian regime is recruiting children and sending out mass recruitment messages via text, signaling there may be truth to the White House’s claim that the Islamic regime is suffering widespread desertions. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2026 Ukraine appears to be facing a higher rate of desertion than Russia. — Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily. — Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desertion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desertion

abandonment

Noun

Goldfish centers on a 17-year-old high school senior who presents as detached, ironic and emotionally armored, but underneath is quietly paralyzed by fear of failure, abandonment and becoming his parents.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
The person found responsible could face charges of abandonment and neglect.

— Julia Avant, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of abandonment

Browse Nearby Words

deserting

desertion

desertions

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“Desertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desertion. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of desertion

noun

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