DETRACTING Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

detracting

verb

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

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Example Sentences

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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

Perhaps his most notable friendship is with loyal longtime bodyguard Bill Bray (Keilyn Durrel Jones) and, to a lesser extent, his savvy manager John Branca (Miles Teller in a distracting wig).

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Punk was taking off the tape from his hands and threw it onto the ring, distracting the referee enough to hit Reigns with a low blow.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026