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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. distracted
  2. diverted
Verb
  • The movie itself disappoints him for its deviations from the Stephen King novel (including this detail may help preempt criticisms over this adaptation), but he’s also distracted by the presence of a strikingly handsome stranger (Homer Gere).
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • There is zero pressure on this team from a fan base whose attention span, and passion, will soon be distracted by the arrival of another football season.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of distracted
Verb
  • Hicks said an off-duty state trooper and an armed citizen — whose identities weren't immediately disclosed — both fired back and diverted the gunman from the restaurant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Due to the Brooklyn Bridge closure, drivers heading into Manhattan were diverted from Centre Street Exit to either FDR Drive or the Park Row South Exits.
    — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of diverted

Browse Nearby Words

detract
detracted
detracting
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Cite this Entry

“Detracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracted. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detracted

Nglish: Translation of detracted for Spanish Speakers

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