detract

as in to distract
to draw the attention or mind to something else numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

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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 detract The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. Kary Love, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 That shouldn’t detract too much from what remain a hugely stylish, powerful little laptop that is ideally suited to business executives who want a device to slip into their hand luggage. Barry Collins, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024 And remember, competition is anything that detracts people from your business. Michael Newman, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for detract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detract
Verb
  • Shepherding that split to reality will leave WBD leadership distracted for a year, Martin estimated.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Cho, as the perceptive and generous Jin, distracted from his own family troubles by the sudden flashes of Casey’s bright light, is wise and rejuvenated; disinterested admiration makes this man, who looks to be in his forties, nearly a teen-ager again.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Severe weather conditions in the area led to ground stops and flights being diverted at the airport on Friday.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 28 June 2025
  • Sharing surplus meals through community apps like Too Good To Go helps to address food insecurity while diverting food from landfills.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detract. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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