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
All of that ups the costs while detracting from the available payload volume and mass.
—
New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025
Some lights—like motion lights—enhance security, while others—like constant porch lights—detract from it.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2025
The great history of these programs shouldn’t detract from modern day interest.
—Harry Enten, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025
But its packability doesn’t detract from the other notable features, including its weather-resistant shell and ultra-durable ripstop exterior.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 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.
New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025
Some lights—like motion lights—enhance security, while others—like constant porch lights—detract from it.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2025
The great history of these programs shouldn’t detract from modern day interest.
—Harry Enten, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025
But its packability doesn’t detract from the other notable features, including its weather-resistant shell and ultra-durable ripstop exterior.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 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 13 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share