detract from
phrasal verb
detracted from; detracting from; detracts from
formal
: to reduce the strength, value, or importance of (something)
They worried that the scandal would seriously detract from her chances for reelection.
The overcooked vegetables detracted somewhat from an otherwise fine meal.
Examples of detract from in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bad toasts can easily drain the energy from the room, detracting from the purpose of the celebration—to unite people in a moment of joy, respect, or reflection.
—
Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
The Montreal Canadiens didn’t let their midseason turnaround and push for the playoffs detract from the process.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Pop-up TVs were installed in the salon and the owner’s suite so that the tech wouldn’t detract from the old-world feel.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
The plotting is admittedly shaky from here on out, especially when Adam and Tina become part of an inexplicable drug bust that detracts from the story.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detract from
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.
Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
The Montreal Canadiens didn’t let their midseason turnaround and push for the playoffs detract from the process.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Pop-up TVs were installed in the salon and the owner’s suite so that the tech wouldn’t detract from the old-world feel.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
The plotting is admittedly shaky from here on out, especially when Adam and Tina become part of an inexplicable drug bust that detracts from the story.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detract from
Cite this Entry
“Detract from.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detract%20from. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share