Synonyms of desertion

desertion

noun

di-ˈzər-shən 

as in abandonment

the act of abandoning

the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abandonment
• defection
• dereliction
• forsaking
• dumping
• discard
• tergiversation
• jettisoning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reclamation
• retention
• retrieval
• repossession
• recoupment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of desertion

Ukraine faces severe personnel shortages with around 200,000 military desertions and 2 million draft-dodgers, threatening its ability to sustain the war against Russia’s 2022 invasion. — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 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