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Definition of distractednext
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distracted

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verb

past tense of distract

Synonym Chooser

How is the word distracted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of distracted are absentminded, absent, abstracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is absent a more appropriate choice than distracted?

The meanings of absent and distracted largely overlap; however, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When can absentminded be used instead of distracted?

In some situations, the words absentminded and distracted are roughly equivalent. However, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Where would abstracted be a reasonable alternative to distracted?

The words abstracted and distracted are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When might preoccupied be a better fit than distracted?

While the synonyms preoccupied and distracted are close in meaning, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of distracted
Adjective
AVs never drive distracted and are designed to obey speed limits and traffic laws. David Risher, Fortune, 22 June 2026 Other likely causes of deadly crashes, such as drunken and distracted driving, have attracted immense attention from the public and policymakers. New York Times, 21 June 2026
Verb
The Sheriff's Office said that the initial reports indicated the lifeguard may have been distracted at the time. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 25 June 2026 With the new fault rule, defense teams for trucking companies may argue that the injured driver shared significant blame by braking suddenly, making an unsafe lane change or being distracted. Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for distracted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distracted
Adjective
  • Pitman grew even more agitated.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • Players grew agitated having to wait, but James was sending a message to Irving and the rest of his teammates.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the actor was a little preoccupied with another franchise.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
  • If anything, the upper crust have more time to be artistic — less preoccupied with getting a job and making a living.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Humans of all ages, in fact, stare dazed into glowing screens.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • Rapkin, truth be told, looked a little dazed.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • That estimate does not include costs associated with year-round state workers whose regular duties were diverted to support the session, including legislative staff and law enforcement officers.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
  • But so has Dunaway and far too much of Supergirl’s attention is diverted to rescuing her young man from Dunaway’s evil clutches.
    Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Hordes of soccer fans wearing Mexico and South Korea jerseys were walking down Olympic Boulevard energized but not alarmed in any way.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • That alarmed some lawmakers about the risk of assessments on the rest of the market.
    Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her son was too distraught to speak on Sunday.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
  • Caitlin Clark appeared emotionally distraught during a postgame news conference after the Indiana Fever's 113-96 loss to the Atlanta Dream and archrival Angel Reese.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the risk of sounding less like a columnist and more like a bewildered bystander … what the heck happened?
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
  • Urged by a call from Hugo to destroy her phone and flee Kansas City fast, before WARDEX can get to her, Margaret also hits the road, accompanied initially by a bewildered Jackson.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • As was to be expected of these people, nothing had been disturbed.
    Marc Terziev, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026
  • Be sure to use the powder sparingly and in areas where it won't be disturbed or pose dust-inhalation risks, adds Ellis.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distracted. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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