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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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
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
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The researchers wanted to examine whether young people who perceived their caregivers as frequently distracted by digital devices were more likely to report what’s called insecure attachment styles.
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At least until one of us gets distracted by some new slight from the British.
Verb
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That estimate does not include costs associated with year-round state workers whose regular duties were diverted to support the session, including legislative staff and law enforcement officers.
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But so has Dunaway and far too much of Supergirl’s attention is diverted to rescuing her young man from Dunaway’s evil clutches.
Cite this Entry
“Detracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracted. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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