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Definitions

desertion

[dih-zur-shuhn] / dɪˈzɜr ʃən /
NOUN
abandonment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
betrayal
STRONG
abrogation apostasy avoidance backsliding departure derelict dereliction disaffection disavowal divorce elusion escape evasion falseness flight forsaking leaving perfidy rejection relinquishment renunciation repudiation resignation retirement retreat secession tergiversation treachery truancy withdrawal
WEAK
absconding castoff defecting departing disavowing falling away going back on marooning recreancy running out on
Antonyms
STRONG
allowance approval arrival coming meeting ratification stay
WEAK
aid assistance help staying

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The charges included voluntary surrender, attempting to voluntarily surrender and desertion from a military unit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

There have been nearly 300,000 cases of desertion, or soldiers going absent without official leave, since the start of Russia's full scale invasion - and numbers have risen dramatically over the past year.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

Her father’s desertion dealt a crushing blow to Barbara, who adored him.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

It was a turning point in a youth-led uprising that started on September 25: Rajoelina fled the country that weekend, impeached days later for desertion of duty.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

They had doubtless heard of the clever desertion of the other crew.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham