DETRACTS Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

detracts

verb

present tense third-person singular of detract

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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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detracts

Verb

There’s the studio version, which has some really interesting production, with Meg’s shuddering percussion that eventually grates and distracts, and Jack’s very chunky guitar.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Outer Banks’ success has always rested on an emotional depth that distracts from nonsense plot points and over-the-top escapades.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of distracts

Verb

Blocking one chokepoint diverts traffic to others, congesting alternatives.

— Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
The attempt by former HFPA members to leverage the Golden Globe Foundation, an independent nonprofit, simply to secure Golden Globes tickets is an unfortunate distraction that inappropriately diverts resources from legitimate charitable causes.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Definition of diverts

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detractors

detracts

detrain

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“Detracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracts. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of detracts

verb

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