detract

verb

de·tract di-ˈtrakt

dē-

detracted; detracting; detracts

Synonyms of detract next

intransitive verb

: to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something

—often used with from

small errors that do not seriously detract from the book

transitive verb

: divert

didn't mean to detract attention from the guest of honor

archaic : to speak ill of

archaic : to take away

detractor

di-ˈtrak-tər

dē-

noun

Examples of detract in a Sentence

numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

Recent Examples on the Web Others have warned that the new laws may detract young physicians, especially obstetricians, from opting to remain in the state. —

Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Aug. 2023 These songs neither add much nor detract significantly, beyond making one of Ms. Swift’s most succinct releases feel a little bloated. —

Mark Richardson, WSJ, 24 Oct. 2022 These concerns do not detract too much from the film’s overall success as a fast-and-furious action bonanza that’s stylishly filmed in a riot of primary colors by DP Phu Nam. —

Richard Kuipers, Variety, 23 Mar. 2023 Dogs aside, having someone who isn't family or a close family friend detracts her attention from the event. —

Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2023 They are fixed, unchanging, far above our poor power to add or detract. —

Benjamin C. Waterhouse, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2023 Some connections may be in the eyes of the beholders, which doesn’t detract. —

Roberta Smith, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023 Friday night should not detract from Gilbert’s remarkable season. —

Theo MacKie, The Arizona Republic, 19 Nov. 2022 Men’s gold chain necklaces, in particular, are the piece in totality; there’s no pendant to detract if the chain isn’t quite perfect. —

Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.