1
as in diverts
to draw the attention or mind to something else
we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disturbs
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
distracted by the looming tax deadline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distracts
Their romance distracts Berlin, who is usually focused and more emotionally detached.
—
Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
Trump is renowned for his transanctionalism and willingness to deal with anybody if the dollar signs are there, but, when immigrants are involved, his interest in exclusion distracts him from the bottom line.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
We are told that raising these questions distracts from the issues that matter, such as rising costs, persistent crime and the condition of our city.
—Mark Conway, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
Or maybe a still-working phonograph of Edison’s invention distracts you, until a wall of portraits of 1920s electrical manufacturing workers pulls your gaze in a new direction.
—Michael Kilian, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Ultimately, this distracts from the struggles experienced by all those marginalized on the basis of gender.
—Jenna Norosky, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Morgan concluded the practice, completing another one of Chesney’s specialties where the entire team distracts the return man from fielding a punt.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
That is when Harbaugh will be able to crystallize for players like Cam Skattebo that football is the priority, and any outside nonsense that distracts from the goal of winning games is not going to be tolerated anymore.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
Reading chairs can become hotspots for clutter, which distracts from rest.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026
Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
Trump is renowned for his transanctionalism and willingness to deal with anybody if the dollar signs are there, but, when immigrants are involved, his interest in exclusion distracts him from the bottom line.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
We are told that raising these questions distracts from the issues that matter, such as rising costs, persistent crime and the condition of our city.
—Mark Conway, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
Or maybe a still-working phonograph of Edison’s invention distracts you, until a wall of portraits of 1920s electrical manufacturing workers pulls your gaze in a new direction.
—Michael Kilian, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Ultimately, this distracts from the struggles experienced by all those marginalized on the basis of gender.
—Jenna Norosky, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Morgan concluded the practice, completing another one of Chesney’s specialties where the entire team distracts the return man from fielding a punt.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
That is when Harbaugh will be able to crystallize for players like Cam Skattebo that football is the priority, and any outside nonsense that distracts from the goal of winning games is not going to be tolerated anymore.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
Reading chairs can become hotspots for clutter, which distracts from rest.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distracts
Verb
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Using proprietary technology, such as its allocation engine, Debrand facilitates the management of unsellable inventory and returns—something the Canadian hub said diverts textile waste from landfills and promotes circularity in the fashion industry, as evidenced by the brand case studies.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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Both charming decoration and functional solution, the rain chain diverts rainwater from the roof and gutters, transforming it into a beautiful water feature.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The worms thrash and move erratically with a snake-like motion that disturbs the topsoil.—
Maria Braganini,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
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There are lots of things weightlessness disturbs, even in the short run.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If the expansion detracts somehow from the SARA cult fever, the co-owners are OK with that.—
Senior Wine Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
15 June 2017
Verb
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And if someone bothers Anaia, Racine is there to fight for her.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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An unconventional structure or new approach bothers them not a whit.—
Mac Barnett,
Longreads,
5 May 2026
Verb
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But this ambitious vision, which many in the sector think will become reality sooner or later, worries atmospheric researchers.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
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Although consumer spending — which accounts for roughly two-thirds of economic activity — has largely held up this year, Ajilore worries that could change quickly.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Verb
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LaCava said the change seems like another city policy that angers many residents without major impact.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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What angers me is thinking about what could have been.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Her healing skills soon prove invaluable, but her wild, curious nature unsettles the monks as an evil count threatens to destroy anyone who dares protect her.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
19 May 2026
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His decision to pull out of the house sales upends an entire property chain, as his manipulative nature unsettles those around him.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Verb
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That’s typically about the prestige of nations, but Trump is not a typical leader and the prestige largely concerns himself.—
Marc Champion,
Twin Cities,
20 May 2026
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Neil Chilson, head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute, tells me what concerns him about this power struggle.—
Benjamin Guggenheim,
Washington Post,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distracts. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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