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Definition of distractednext
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distracted

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verb

past tense of distract

Synonym Chooser

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

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 distracted
Adjective
Even though children notoriously love to test the limits of parental rules, studies suggest that parents who restrain from distracted driving are more likely to have children who do the same, as are parents who wear bike helmets. David C. Schwebel, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 AVs never drive distracted and are designed to obey speed limits and traffic laws. David Risher, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Verb
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 See All Example Sentences for distracted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distracted
Adjective
  • People with heat stroke can feel confused, unable to speak properly and agitated.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026
  • However, first base umpire Todd Tichenor tossed the agitated second baseman after Chisholm spiked his helmet toward home plate.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yet in an era increasingly defined by digital abstraction and impermanence, fashion designers are newly preoccupied with the tangible and historic.
    Emmanuel Olunkwa, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, the actor was a little preoccupied with another franchise.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Like Mahrez, Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer seemed slightly dazed following the topsy-turvy turn of events.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
  • Humans of all ages, in fact, stare dazed into glowing screens.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • That estimate does not include costs associated with year-round state workers whose regular duties were diverted to support the session, including legislative staff and law enforcement officers.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
  • But so has Dunaway and far too much of Supergirl’s attention is diverted to rescuing her young man from Dunaway’s evil clutches.
    Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 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
Adjective
  • In fact, when a distraught Tom Hayward suddenly reappears, a content Mary is strolling in a local park on her own.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026
  • Her son was too distraught to speak on Sunday.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Fido was fine, if a little bewildered, and in February 1973, the board lifted its book bans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • At the risk of sounding less like a columnist and more like a bewildered bystander … what the heck happened?
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • As was to be expected of these people, nothing had been disturbed.
    Marc Terziev, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026
  • Be sure to use the powder sparingly and in areas where it won't be disturbed or pose dust-inhalation risks, adds Ellis.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distracted. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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