diversionary

[ dih-vur-zhuh-ner-ee, -shuh-, dahy- ]

/ dɪˈvɜr ʒəˌnɛr i, -ʃə-, daɪ- /

tending to divert or distract the attention: diversionary tactics of the guerrilla fighters.

Origin of diversionary

First recorded in 1840–50; diversion + -ary

Last week, the trial took a diversionary turn of another kind courtesy of an event outside the courtroom.

The Hidden Horror of Whitey Bulger’s Trial |T.J. English |July 22, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
In each case, the Justice Department used a diversionary tactic to contain the damage and to distract the public from the truth.

Edward Snowden’s Whistleblowing Saga Mirrors the Karen Silkwood Case |Richard Rashke |July 2, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
This is a charge that would typically be resolved with a diversionary program.

Sovereign Citizens Are a Sometimes Violent Fringe Group Rejecting All Government |Winston Ross |December 30, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
“He responds to serious criticism by a biting wisecrack or diversionary personal attack,” Evans added.

Sir Harold Evans Fights Back Against Rupert Murdoch at Leveson Inquiry |Mike Giglio |May 17, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

He responds to serious criticism by a biting wisecrack or diversionary personal attack.

Harold Evans Responds to Murdoch |Harold Evans |April 25, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
"I'm going to try a diversionary tactic," Gunderson said on untappable tight-beam.

Postmark Ganymede |Robert Silverberg
On the other hand, this raid was, and would be, basically a diversionary tactic.

Anything You Can Do ... |Gordon Randall Garrett
The diversionary measures actually undertaken will be described presently.

The Blocking of Zeebrugge |Alfred F. B. Carpenter
Without the benefit of a diversionary assault, two columns advanced simultaneously upon the right flank of the fort.

Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina |Frank Barnes
Diversionary measures in this particular case were not difficult to evolve.

The Blocking of Zeebrugge |Alfred F. B. Carpenter