Thesaurus

distracted

Q: How is the word 'distracted' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of distracted are absentminded , absent , abstracted , and preoccupied . While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety. // was too distracted by grief to continue working

Q: When is 'absent' a more appropriate choice than 'distracted'?

The meanings of absent and distracted largely overlap; however, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters. // an absent stare

Q: When can 'absentminded' be used instead of 'distracted'?

In some situations, the words absentminded and distracted are roughly equivalent. However, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness. // so absentminded , he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Q: Where would 'abstracted' be a reasonable alternative to 'distracted'?

The words abstracted and distracted are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters. // walking about with an abstracted air

Q: When might 'preoccupied' be a better fit than 'distracted'?

While the synonyms preoccupied and distracted are close in meaning, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others. // too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

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Synonyms & Antonyms of distracted

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 feeling overwhelming fear or worry

she's been distracted about her son ever since he left on that polar expedition

Synonyms for distracted

Words Related to distracted

Phrases Synonymous with distracted

beside oneself

Near Antonyms for distracted

Antonyms for distracted

2 lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions

the distracted driver rear-ended the pickup truck that had stopped for the red light

Synonyms for distracted

Words Related to distracted

Near Antonyms for distracted

clearheaded

Antonyms for distracted

alert

3 suffering from mental confusion

she's been chronically depressed and distracted since her husband's death

Synonyms for distracted

Words Related to distracted

Phrases Synonymous with distracted

at sea,
out of it

Near Antonyms for distracted

alert,
conscious

Antonyms for distracted

clearheaded

distracted

verb

past tense of distract

Synonyms & Antonyms of distracted (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to draw the attention or mind to something else

we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside

Synonyms for distracted

Words Related to distracted

strayed,
wandered

Near Antonyms for distracted

2 to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy

distracted by the looming tax deadline

Synonyms for distracted

Words Related to distracted

Near Antonyms for distracted

Antonyms for distracted

Frequently Asked Questions About distracted

How is the word distracted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of distracted are absentminded, absent, abstracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is absent a more appropriate choice than distracted?

The meanings of absent and distracted largely overlap; however, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When can absentminded be used instead of distracted?

In some situations, the words absentminded and distracted are roughly equivalent. However, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Where would abstracted be a reasonable alternative to distracted?

The words abstracted and distracted are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When might preoccupied be a better fit than distracted?

While the synonyms preoccupied and distracted are close in meaning, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal