1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in entertainment
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
4
as in diversion
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
a harmless distraction for children at the playground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distraction
Lechery brings him distraction but little joy.
—
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
For, as a result of the centrality of these primaries, the races have thrown up all manner of distractions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Howell stepped down last July after a series of distractions during his short tenure.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Independent of being a parent who works from home, Meghan is also conscious of shielding her team from the distraction of children.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
For, as a result of the centrality of these primaries, the races have thrown up all manner of distractions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Howell stepped down last July after a series of distractions during his short tenure.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Independent of being a parent who works from home, Meghan is also conscious of shielding her team from the distraction of children.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
Down comforters are a cozy addition to your bedding but can cause a bit of confusion in how to launder and care for them.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
15 Mar. 2026
-
In lockdown and confusion and fear following an attack at nearby Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, the staff at Soul Café made pizza — cheese, mushroom and margherita.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Played on the show by Sarah Pidgeon, audiences on TikTok have gone into a frenzy with appreciations and tutorials showing how to style Besette staples like a white shirt, pencil skirt, and headband.—
Valentina Bottoni,
Vanity Fair,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The whirling metal blades dominate the front yard with more frenzy movements than a four-year-old rushing to the bathroom.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The two companies are set to unveil an entertainment universe based on Disney’s brands and characters later this year.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But after Locust was used near West Texas, the Federal Aviation Administration, the FAA, shut down the airspace near the border – twice, causing flight cancellations and cargo diversions.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Treatment access has strengthened, including diversion pathways such as Drug Court.—
Maria Hernandez,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The emotional Moon conjoins Mercury in your 12th House of Closure, so gentle honesty is likely the best way to clear up any fog.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2026
-
On Tuesday, showers and patchy fog are likely early in the morning, forecasts show.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Investigators believe Jalloh was inspired by a 2009 shooting rampage at the Fort Hood military base in Texas, during which an Army psychiatrist killed 13 people and injured 32 others, Evans said.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Bella Hadid on a rampage through the streets of Paris, zooming around on her motorcycle and facing down cops — fun!—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The fan’s commitment to his word drew reactions ranging from admiration to amusement.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
-
His role is pivotal as a heroic and charismatic young man who inspires his friends to use their powers for more than just their own amusement.—
Ken Simmons,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Heckel crowed with delight as Strong tried paper, snipping her classmate’s fingers with scissors to complete the sweep.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Jordan showed up at an actual In-N-Out location, much to the delight of the burger lovers and paparazzi who swarmed the restaurant with him.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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