as in to distract
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of derail
On his own album, Granli inhabits each song with an arcane spirit, careful to never derail his fragile mystery.
—
H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
But the pursuit of transgression for its own sake can easily derail sound judgment.
—Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, new Paramount Skydance owner David Ellison is continuing his mission to derail the deal, attempting to snatch up WB for his own growing studio empire.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Other derailed cars were carrying liquified natural gas and food-grade grease, according to Mansfield Fire Chief John Roache.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for derail
H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
But the pursuit of transgression for its own sake can easily derail sound judgment.
—Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, new Paramount Skydance owner David Ellison is continuing his mission to derail the deal, attempting to snatch up WB for his own growing studio empire.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Other derailed cars were carrying liquified natural gas and food-grade grease, according to Mansfield Fire Chief John Roache.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for derail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derail
Verb
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Of course, any intense media scrutiny risks being distracting, especially when it is not directly related to the work of the foundation.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Even if she’s never found criminally liable, this case is almost certain to distract her from her duties.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With their special technology, the cameras can take high-quality videos of animals at night without disturbing them.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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That the president remains fixated on this conspiracy theory, rather than tending to his job as the leader of the most powerful institution on the planet, should disturb anyone who wants America to remain a free and prosperous nation.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sirianni remains safe despite the outcry, yet two young Eagles stars don't even bother to pay attention to the noise.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Most people are able to put the splint away once their plantar fasciitis no longer bothers them.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The rival bids have drawn scrutiny from antitrust experts and lawmakers, who worry that either death could reduce competition in an entertainment industry already dominated by streaming giants.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Feb. 2026
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Some landowners worry the power lines could cross near their homes and ranches.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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My behavior may have alarmed my roommates.—
Ivy Nelson,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
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Recently, something new appeared on the landscape, alarming wildlife advocates like Christina Aiello.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tuesday’s press conference ended with more questions than answers about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, a development that is concerning to experts who emphasize that the public can be one of law enforcement’s most valuable tools in finding missing persons.—
Julia Bonavita , Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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While the numbers are still being refined, commissioners said the early signs are concerning and highlight growing financial pressure on the county.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While a complete withdrawal from the GNU may be unlikely, the resurgence of internal debate alone risks unsettling a government whose stability rests, in part, on the DA’s role as a moderating force.—
Sam Mkokeli,
semafor.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Homebuyers tend to be more sensitive than the law, which is still largely unsettled in regards to the topic.—
Franklin Schneider,
The Atlantic,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Use your hands to agitate the soapy water through the garment.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
6 Feb. 2026
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The dollar rallied, even though Warsh has been agitating for more rate cuts, which tend to undermine the dollar’s value.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derail. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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