DETRACTED Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

detracted

verb

past tense of detract

as in distracted

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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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 detracted To center Jack instead, however, might have detracted too much from his role as an object of warped desire within the house. — David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detracted

Verb

To spend two and a half minutes studying that goal so forensically, and then seemingly lose sight of how Fernandez, from an offside position, distracted Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, is the worst of both worlds.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The pain distracted Garrett while facing a 49ers lineup that included three-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of distracted

Verb

Playwright Zimmerman, meanwhile, says the dispute has diverted attention from the subject the production was created to address.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where law enforcement took the man into custody.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of diverted

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detract

detracted

detracting

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“Detracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracted. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of detracted

verb

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