detract

as in to divert
to draw the attention or mind to something else numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

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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 detract For Loeffler, a 50-year-old father of three kids, those ever-expanding duties demanded too much time and detracted too much attention from the objects of his sports obsessions. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 That shouldn’t detract too much from what remain a hugely stylish, powerful little laptop that is ideally suited to business executives who want a device to slip into their hand luggage. Barry Collins, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024 In the first commercial for his shoe, Edwards pulls out signature models from rival brands and detracts them compared to his own. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for detract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detract
Verb
  • Following the crash, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that the westbound lane of I-10 near the 534-mile marker was closed and that traffic was being diverted.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, and Usiripalli was taken into custody.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Worse, the aluminum has a tendency to throw off fragments when struck, producing more debris, which is rather counterproductive.
    David Szondy October 26, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The latter was looking to win a throw off the former with his clearance, but Aaronson managed to divert it back off the defender for a Leeds ball.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detract. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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