1
as in confusions
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in entertainments
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public
the founder of a recovery program who doesn't view gambling as a harmless distraction for people of modest means
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in diversions
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
a harmless distraction for children at the playground
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 distractions
There's no distractions or nothing.
—
Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
Even the most skeptical viewer may be susceptible to the distractions of a particularly charismatic or chatty illusionist, right?
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026
The adaptive noise cancellation automatically adjusts to your environment to silence distractions, and the four digital beamforming microphones keep your voice crystal clear during calls, even in windy outdoor conditions.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
The power of learning to accept experience A key part of mindfulness practice involves turning toward difficult experiences, such as like stress, boredom and pain, rather than seeking distractions or pushing those experiences away.
—J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Others use the steady audio backdrop to reduce distractions during work or study sessions.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Others play them during study sessions, where the consistent backdrop reduces distractions.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
But the family came to see those moves as distractions.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
On the trail, there were no distractions from the inevitable conflicts that arose.
—David Gleisner, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
Even the most skeptical viewer may be susceptible to the distractions of a particularly charismatic or chatty illusionist, right?
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026
The adaptive noise cancellation automatically adjusts to your environment to silence distractions, and the four digital beamforming microphones keep your voice crystal clear during calls, even in windy outdoor conditions.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
The power of learning to accept experience A key part of mindfulness practice involves turning toward difficult experiences, such as like stress, boredom and pain, rather than seeking distractions or pushing those experiences away.
—J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Others use the steady audio backdrop to reduce distractions during work or study sessions.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Others play them during study sessions, where the consistent backdrop reduces distractions.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
But the family came to see those moves as distractions.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
On the trail, there were no distractions from the inevitable conflicts that arose.
—David Gleisner, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distractions
Noun
-
Before the Lost Weekend, John and Yoko had their New York Year — turning their personal confusions into beautifully vivid moments of rage and pain.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The party was a most enjoyable dance, typical of the charming informal entertainments for which the club is noted.—
From staff reports,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Television, which greeted the new year with fresh entertainments of all shapes and sizes.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Miami Music Week is at its zenith this weekend, its cacophonous diversions and decibels aimed at the spring break crowd and other ears that haven’t been around for very long, highlighted by the DJ bonfire known as Ultra Music Festival.—
Ben Crandell,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Friday’s draft decision includes new caveats suggested by the State Water Board limiting water diversions from the Delta to 986,000 acre-feet and requiring the project to align with Bay-Delta planning rules to protect fisheries.—
Chaewon Chung
March 23,
Sacbee.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Over-the-counter pesticides and fogs will not do the job.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Barresi and Cuellar hold each other up with palpable tenderness, each one crafting a long, poignant arc from innocence through the fogs and thorns of experience.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
21 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There's a mix of on-the-beach relaxation (which is also pet-friendly) and off-the-beach amusements, such as go-kart tracks, a handful of mini-golf courses, a number of ice cream shops, and good restaurants.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2026
-
That will keep the rest of us from footing the bill for their part-time seaside amusements.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Whether biennials or museum shows, exhibitions are spaces for learning about images, the world, and the pains and delights of being alive.—
Raphael Fonseca,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Complete with Portland charm, cobble stone pathways, farm-to-table delights, local boutiques, shops, galleries and much more, its inviting neighborhood feel will set the tone for your day ahead.—
Dontaira Terrell,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To him, the vision seemed right — not in the specific locations activated by various themes but in the sense that our neuroanatomy did seem to parse the world by subject, tangles and folds of neurons lighting up in response to clouds of ideas.—
Eric Boodman,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Chapek’s woes as Disney chief have been well documented, from his tangles in Florida to an ugly public spat with Scarlett Johansson to alienating top executives by removing creative decision-making authority in a hugely unpopular restructuring.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This sense of domestic insecurity carries through the remaining two-thirds of the film, which incorporates doubles, cyborgs, and holographic recreations of the film’s female characters.—
Katie Rife,
IndieWire,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The exhibition also includes life-size recreations of areas of the ship intended to show what daily life was like on board for passengers across different classes.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distractions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distractions. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
