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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Recent Examples of derailed
The film is not blind to how easily big dreams can be derailed, especially for the hand-to-mouth creative class in a Midwestern outpost.
—
Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
That effort could be derailed if the attorneys general cannot secure a court injunction, and the new state funding must be reallocated to backfill federal funding gaps.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
However, injuries derailed him for a while after.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The eviction drama became a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about how Hollywood discards its icons, especially those whose careers were derailed by addiction, health issues and the slow evaporation of studio offers.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
But behind all those laughs was a financial nightmare that almost derailed everything.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026
Sorokin’s mid-December injury could have derailed New York’s playoff chances, but Rittich’s excellent play has kept the club alive.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The 25-year-old caught 34 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games during his rookie campaign, but injuries ultimately derailed his first couple of NFL seasons.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The green room fills with nervous tension—if the vape isn’t found, the whole show could be derailed.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
That effort could be derailed if the attorneys general cannot secure a court injunction, and the new state funding must be reallocated to backfill federal funding gaps.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
However, injuries derailed him for a while after.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The eviction drama became a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about how Hollywood discards its icons, especially those whose careers were derailed by addiction, health issues and the slow evaporation of studio offers.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
But behind all those laughs was a financial nightmare that almost derailed everything.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026
Sorokin’s mid-December injury could have derailed New York’s playoff chances, but Rittich’s excellent play has kept the club alive.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The 25-year-old caught 34 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games during his rookie campaign, but injuries ultimately derailed his first couple of NFL seasons.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The green room fills with nervous tension—if the vape isn’t found, the whole show could be derailed.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derailed
Verb
-
Over the years, California Highway Patrol officers have told Honk their priority is saving lives — so intoxicated and distracted drivers, speeders and those not wearing seat belts get top billing.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
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Moreover, 14% of more than 1,000 respondents said at least one accident had occurred at their workplace because an employee was distracted by a smartphone—often resulting in injury or damage to property.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Some victims reported feeling violated and disturbed by the trend, with many saying their reports to X went unanswered and images remained live on the platform.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile, some homeowners as far as Plainville and Southington say they, too, are disturbed by the sound and have spent the last year and a half pushing their local governments to act.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
These changes have left Israelis alarmed, according to the survey.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t be alarmed when the vinegar reacts with the baking soda.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Hollywood CEOs aren’t getting hot and bothered about using AI to completely replace real-life movie stars; the guilds wouldn’t allow it, and audiences wouldn’t want it.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
6 Jan. 2026
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Burrow, who spoke with media after the Bengals lost 18-20 to the Cleveland Browns, seemed bothered by his 'do from the start, sitting down at the mic and instantly raking his lengthy bangs back with his hands.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Where camellia bud drop is concerned, Nuccio says this can result either from lack of water or moisture resting on the buds, which can be especially problematic on the coast.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
-
As the cold temperatures sweep through the South this winter, you may be concerned about bundling up and the beauty mistakes that could be ruining your skin.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In contrast, 72% of respondents worried about the United States becoming too involved in the South American country, USA TODAY reports.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In contrast, 72% of respondents worried about the United States becoming too involved in the South American country.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Like Francis, Leo has faced criticism from conservative US Catholics and MAGA supporters, angered by his comments on migration and climate change.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Obama’s enthusiastic showings for both candidates was a test of whether his sway over the Democratic Party still remains after his support for Harris failed to boost her to the White House a year ago and angered black male voters who felt unfairly accused of sexism.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But the hospital has been plagued by security issues in the last few years, and a contract dispute with the nurses’ union.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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Commentary and opinions Tim Walz isn’t the only governor plagued by fraud.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Derailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derailed. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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