distract

Definition of distractnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distract differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distract are bewilder, confound, dumbfound, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When might bewilder be a better fit than distract?

While in some cases nearly identical to distract, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

When can confound be used instead of distract?

Although the words confound and distract have much in common, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When is dumbfound a more appropriate choice than distract?

The synonyms dumbfound and distract are sometimes interchangeable, but dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

When could nonplus be used to replace distract?

In some situations, the words nonplus and distract are roughly equivalent. However, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

When is it sensible to use perplex instead of distract?

While the synonyms perplex and distract are close in meaning, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to distract?

The meanings of puzzle and distract largely overlap; however, puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

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 distract But with her nuptials impending, will she be distracted enough to let this awful mystery go unsolved? K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 If a robot starts patrolling your local garage, mall, park or transit hub, do not get distracted by the cool tech factor. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 Initial reports have indicated that the driver in question might have been distracted during the incident, Spiker said, according to the newspaper. Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Having medication or distracting techniques at the ready should assure a safe and happy holiday for the whole household. Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for distract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distract
Verb
  • The California Highway Patrol's Woodland division said traffic was being diverted off the freeway at Reed Avenue.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Bessent did not specify how much money would be released, which entity in Qatar would control the account, where the funds would be held, what role Iran would play in directing purchases or what enforcement tools the Treasury would use to ensure the money is not diverted.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The first trailer stars Keitel drinking in a bar, while the second sees DeVito’s sleep getting disturbed by a phone call.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
  • What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict.
    Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
    Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • But prosecutors said their further investigation raised significant doubts about those conclusions, worrying them that a jury would not find Hobby guilty of an arson charge.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Some academic leaders worry that the report might drive students away from programs that encompass the core of human knowledge.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • One of the increasingly concerning threats is drones, which can be piloted remotely and are difficult to disable.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Those measures, however, have alarmed privacy advocates, who argue that age-gating the internet would affect all users — not just children.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • That’s alarmed the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents about 400 nurses and staff at two psychiatric hospitals in Sacramento.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • One concern is parents of autistic children, who often have gastrointestinal issues, though the science linking those issues to autism is unsettled.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
  • Warner offers little comfort to executives unsettled by last week’s events.
    Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Allow room for your items to move freely and to be agitated.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
  • After that, the day shift starts agitating for a pizza party.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distract. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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