as in distracts
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 detracts
If the expansion detracts somehow from the SARA cult fever, the co-owners are OK with that.
—
Senior Wine Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 June 2017
Senior Wine Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detracts
Verb
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Their romance distracts Berlin, who is usually focused and more emotionally detached.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
15 May 2026
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Trump is renowned for his transanctionalism and willingness to deal with anybody if the dollar signs are there, but, when immigrants are involved, his interest in exclusion distracts him from the bottom line.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Using proprietary technology, such as its allocation engine, Debrand facilitates the management of unsellable inventory and returns—something the Canadian hub said diverts textile waste from landfills and promotes circularity in the fashion industry, as evidenced by the brand case studies.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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Both charming decoration and functional solution, the rain chain diverts rainwater from the roof and gutters, transforming it into a beautiful water feature.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracts. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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