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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

After almost four years of war, many soldiers are exhausted and desertion rates are rising.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 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

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

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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.