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
That detracts from the open-and-shut case against the university.
—
Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
Sometimes researching actually detracts from playing the role.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Golden State shuts down Jalen Green Game 4 was marred by a myriad of skirmishes, which detracted from the actual basketball to some degree, but the Warriors’ pressure on Jalen Green — and how the Rockets responded — will ultimately determine how the rest of this series plays out.
—Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Similar actions taken by youthful Democratic National Committee Vice Chairman David Hogg, who is planning to spend millions to oust incumbent Democratic lawmakers, also detract from focusing on attacking the GOP, Carville added.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 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.
Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
Sometimes researching actually detracts from playing the role.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Golden State shuts down Jalen Green Game 4 was marred by a myriad of skirmishes, which detracted from the actual basketball to some degree, but the Warriors’ pressure on Jalen Green — and how the Rockets responded — will ultimately determine how the rest of this series plays out.
—Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Similar actions taken by youthful Democratic National Committee Vice Chairman David Hogg, who is planning to spend millions to oust incumbent Democratic lawmakers, also detract from focusing on attacking the GOP, Carville added.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 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 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share