detracting

Definition of detractingnext
present participle of detract
as in distracting
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 detracting An expansion into New Mexico would add oil revenue from the Permian Basin to Texas, adding to its economy and detracting, in turn, from New Mexico's. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Some asserted that the commitment and costs of traveling and attending meetings paired with the limited compensation was detracting members of the public from running for office. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detracting
Verb
  • The curators supply a historical backdrop, therefore, but discreetly, and without distracting us from Wright’s poetic originality.
    Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Living Room also extends outdoors to the rooftop Terrazzo Bar with views that are almost too distracting.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Social Security benefits are funded by workers currently paying payroll taxes, meaning diverting today’s tax payments would affect today’s retirees.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • The expansion of vouchers is diverting resources away from neighborhood schools.
    Clinton McCracken, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detracting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracting. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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