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.

One of his first initiatives is an audit of battlefield losses -- ranking commanders based on casualty levels, in an attempt to address high levels of desertion among rank-and-file troops and the unpopularity of mobilisation.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

This clueless performance will lead to a completely empty Rose Bowl and eventual desertion of NIL sponsors.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2025

He is on trial on charges of desertion, and is one of many.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

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

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

Vocabulary lists containing desertion

The American Civil War

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desertion

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing desertion

The American Civil War