DISTRACTION Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

distraction

noun

di-ˈstrak-shən

Definition of distraction

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty in my distraction I forgot where I was

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frenzy

a state of wildly excited activity or emotion driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in entertainment

the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public the founder of a recovery program who doesn't view gambling as a harmless distraction for people of modest means

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as in diversion

someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a harmless distraction for children at the playground

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 distraction The Washington Post’s reporting on digital cameras examines why younger photographers are drawn to older cameras, pointing to their distinctive images and distraction-free experience. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 The Washington Post’s reporting on digital cameras examines why younger photographers favor older models, including their distinctive look and distraction-free experience. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 Looting is typically a byproduct of the actual protests, as people exploit the distraction of the protests to act out. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Maintain eye contact with the lens or host, present professionally and make sure your surroundings are appropriate and free from distractions. — Victoria Usher, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction

Noun

Almeida said Election Day confusion is possible in some precincts but the nature of the threat requires a collective effort.

— STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Lula’s victory followed confusion at polling places after Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ordered a last-minute, two-hour extension of voting nationwide.

— David Unsworth , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

Concerns also remain that their prices shot too high following a yearslong frenzy, even though companies in the industry continue to report growth.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Stocks that have benefited from the frenzy over AI have been swinging over rising worries about their path ahead.

— Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of frenzy

Noun

The partnership aims to create quality animation and family entertainment that will be launched on direct-to-audience platforms.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Yes; multiple dining options, casual entertainment, plenty of room to spread out, and easy transportation make this one of the easiest choices in Denali for kids.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertainment

Noun

Rodriguez says the diversion of Medicaid settlement money through the Hope Florida Foundation to GOP political committees controlled by Uthmeier was wrong and merits frequent mention.

— Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
This coalition argues that expanded prescribing and pharmacy dispensing of methadone would increase diversion and overdose risk.

— Yashaswini Singh, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of diversion

Noun

The morning fog had lifted as Bates trails one of his delivery trucks and its driver, Lee Wood.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Oyamel firs thrive in cool, moist, mountainous environments, usually between 1,200 and 4,100 meters (3,940–13,450 feet) above sea level, where fog and precipitation are common.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fog

Noun

Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026
In IconArrows pointing outwards For an extra admission fee, the farm also offers amusement rides and carnival games.

— Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of amusement

Noun

Wesley Fofana missed what proved to be the final kick of the shootout, smashing it well over the crossbar and into The Kop at Anfield as Liverpool fans roared in delight.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Dimensional, smooth, and an absolute delight to look at, calf hair also brings with it the benefit of longevity, meaning the Coach handbags above are guaranteed to stay in tip-top shape for years (if not decades) on end.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of delight

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distracting

distraction

distractions

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“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distraction

noun

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