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.

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desertion

But it has been rocked by several scandals, including hundreds of reports of desertion.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 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

Cleopatra was also held responsible for Mark Antony’s desertion.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Vocabulary lists containing desertion

The American Civil War

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desertion

Example Sentences

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Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing desertion

The American Civil War