as in to distract
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
according to police, the suspect had been derailed in recent months by mounting financial problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of derail
Garcia thrived as a player at North Side, but an injury derailed his recruitment.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025
Those recent data center debates in Oldham County spotlighted how an absence of zoning regulations specifically addressing these 21st century developments could sow community distrust and derail projects.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
But some investors have also called Trump’s bluff on his trade war, betting the president will avoid enormous tariffs that could derail the economy.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Timberlake's tour was almost derailed after the singer was arrested for DWI in June 2024.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025
Those recent data center debates in Oldham County spotlighted how an absence of zoning regulations specifically addressing these 21st century developments could sow community distrust and derail projects.
—Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
But some investors have also called Trump’s bluff on his trade war, betting the president will avoid enormous tariffs that could derail the economy.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Timberlake's tour was almost derailed after the singer was arrested for DWI in June 2024.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derail
Verb
-
This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.—
Essence,
Essence,
14 July 2025
-
The legal fight threatens to distract from the group's goals in a state where Democrats already struggle to adequately field and fund candidates.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The indictment against Bolsonaro, as florid as a telenovela script, included disturbing allegations, such as a plot to poison Lula and kill Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.—
Shannon Sims,
New Yorker,
30 July 2025
-
When disturbed, the fungus releases spores that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.—
Justin Stebbing,
JSTOR Daily,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
-
This means that some people might not bother using them.—
Ben Coxworth
July 26,
New Atlas,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
Note: For those who haven’t finished the show, don’t worry.—
Evan Moore
July 31,
Charlotte Observer,
31 July 2025
-
But don't worry, CoHorts hive, Green and Viotti promise the heart of the novel remains intact in the film, which Susan McMartin adapted.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
In an interview with an internal affairs investigator, Pascua said she wasn’t alarmed by Elisa’s fall.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
-
Those of us frustrated or alarmed about the scope of the Trump administration’s immigration raids must unequivocally condemn violence against government workers and law enforcement.—
Dallas Morning News,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
While some prominent voices have praised Harvard’s response, prospective students may be concerned about the potential ramifications of this ongoing dispute.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
There’s still reason for parents to be concerned, because dating apps could also be harming kids in other ways.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
The Almanac said the Southwest, including California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, could experience unsettled, showery conditions on Halloween this year.—
Olivia Rose,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
-
By the late 1800s, in one of their many acts of unsettling America’s natural balance, white men had hunted wolves and mountain lions to extinction in the East.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
This is the fifth meeting in a row of steady rates as Powell continues to defy Donald Trump, who has been agitating for a rate cut and threatening on and off to fire Powell.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
30 July 2025
-
Dems urge leaders to hold firm on budget President Trump’s supporters, agitating to view government files on Jeffrey Epstein, are still waiting.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derail. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share