1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in diversion
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
a harmless distraction for children at the playground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distraction
Somehow the distraction works—for both of us.
—
Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
At the time, Magyar criticized the decision as a distraction from other issues affecting citizens, and said his government would protect the right to assembly, but steered clear of an explicit statement in support of that cause.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
Clutter is a form of visual distraction, which increases cognitive overload and can reduce working memory.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Fewer distractions in your physical space means your attention is less likely to jump around, reducing what researchers call mental fragmentation and supporting sustained focus.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
At the time, Magyar criticized the decision as a distraction from other issues affecting citizens, and said his government would protect the right to assembly, but steered clear of an explicit statement in support of that cause.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
Clutter is a form of visual distraction, which increases cognitive overload and can reduce working memory.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Fewer distractions in your physical space means your attention is less likely to jump around, reducing what researchers call mental fragmentation and supporting sustained focus.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm, and not ill-intended.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Be careful about your intentions today because an element of confusion (plus the ability to kid yourself) might get you in hot water.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There seemed to be an unwarranted frenzy in the speed at which everything was played, as if music were as much a sport as an artistic pursuit.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The Irishman recorded a hole-in-one on the sixth hole at Augusta National on Saturday, putting patrons into a frenzy.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
South Downtown launches Atlanta's first open container district, transforming the city's approach to downtown entertainment.—
Monique John,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Silver Nova may well attract a more youthful crowd than other Silversea ships, with its larger size, high-tech design, multiple alluring bars and lounges (including a large pool bar), bigger fitness center, relaxed dress code (primarily elegant casual), and more vibrant entertainment.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dozens of shocking examples Kim Stone, lobbyist for the California District Attorneys Association, agreed that only a small percentage of people given diversion go on to commit violent crimes.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
12 Apr. 2026
-
In a unique diversion from the source material, our heroine Juliana (Alexa Davalos) comes across video footage suggesting a parallel reality in which, yes, the Allies won the war.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some spots will see fog early, especially north of the metro.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
During the day, drivers must also turn on their headlights whenever weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or sleet reduce visibility.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As previously announced, Michelle Mao will play Yara and Kyriana Kratter will play Lev, siblings whose paths cross with Abby at a pivotal moment, as Ellie begins her revenge rampage in Seattle.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
-
From the first fire to the last, the suspect’s rampage lasted just more than 10 minutes.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are, however, a couple of locals watching in amusement.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Apr. 2026
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The thread, originally posted by user SxnKisss, reflects a broader mix of amusement and skepticism.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their delight can motivate you to keep doing the things that bring your heart happiness.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Her 9-year-old son, Matthew, helped his mom out by declaring that Maroon 5 is his favorite band, to Levine's delight.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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