DERAILED Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

derailed

verb

past tense of derail

as in distracted

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy according to police, the suspect had been derailed in recent months by mounting financial problems

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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 derailed A good long-term bet can be derailed by the reality of right now. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Over cappuccinos in the garden of the Chateau Marmont, Baron Cohen lets loose on the mounting backlash, his battles with studios and the $3 million day that nearly derailed his film. — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 Her life is an example of how getting out of poverty in Sacramento can be delayed and derailed in many ways. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 While many returned to the liner with goal fulfilled, a fair number were derailed at the gate. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 More than one plan to reopen the Uptown has been announced with much fanfare and anticipation, only to get derailed. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 In 2023, ten cars of a passenger train derailed in southern Pakistan, killing 30 people and injuring more than 90 others. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 The Knicks traded for Alvarado immediately after a sports hernia derailed McBride’s breakout year midseason. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026 But now, considering the lack of commitment to democratic traditions in the Bolsonarismo movement, this trend risks being derailed, ironically, by means of a democratic election. — Rafael R. Ioris, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for derailed

Verb

Take accountability for the times you yourself have been distracted (for whatever reason) and haven’t met the other’s needs.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Know when to ask for another ball and try your best not to be distracted by a nice rack.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of distracted

Verb

An officer responded to PSA, and police said about two pallets of cards were stolen from the truck and a third was disturbed.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
As one of the most effective natural sinks for carbon, peatlands could accelerate climate change if disturbed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturbed

Verb

The new company has nearly $80 billion in debt, with leverage of six-and-a-half times trailing earnings, a ratio that has alarmed investors and triggered credit rating downgrades.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Abiy’s persistent calls for sovereign access to Eritrea’s Red Sea port of Assab have alarmed Eritrea and deepened the rift.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of alarmed

Verb

Opponents of Proposition 40 are concerned that the threat of wealth taxes will lead to billionaires continuing to leave the state, resulting in a long-term decrease in state income tax revenue.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Campaign promises Castro says residents continue to be concerned about development, corruption and public safety.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of concerned

Verb

The deal drew concern from legislators and delivery drivers, who worried about reduced competition.

— Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Korpi wanted to leave the experiment because he wasn’t allowed to study for an upcoming graduate school admission test, and was getting worried about being unprepared.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of worried

Verb

The ruling coalition angered the protesters by unexpectedly moving ahead with the plan in the lower house of Parliament two days ago.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Yet over the past year, Netanyahu has taken steps that angered Trump and others in his administration, including strikes in Lebanon and Gaza that undercut his regional peace efforts.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of angered

Verb

But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Joan realizes that her mother’s vanishing meshes with a larger tapestry of tragedy that has plagued their family over the years.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of plagued

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“Derailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derailed. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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