distraction

Definition of distractionnext
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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

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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 No distractions, no aeroplanes, no noise, no traffic. Emma Banks, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026 Adorable, adoptable puppies should be a pleasant distraction until the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks take the field for Super Bowl 60. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026 Pleasure and play aren’t distractions today. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 In-season negotiations can be tricky to navigate on both sides of the table because of their potential to create distractions. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
  • But the confusion only has increased.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Silence on defense leads to confusion.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This fact is why the tax- and fee-hike frenzy of the past year won’t ebb any time soon.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The overwhelming motive for the early fakes was to provide entertainment — about three-quarters of the images in the exhibition were created for this purpose, Rooseboom said.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rival bids have drawn scrutiny from antitrust experts and lawmakers, who worry that either death could reduce competition in an entertainment industry already dominated by streaming giants.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Guests can enjoy a variety of diversions, from sound baths to snorkeling and whale-watching.
    John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
  • To meet this obligation, Mexico operates a large river diversion structure and pumping plant just south of the border.
    Doug Liden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Cold front Tuesday Clouds will dominate Central Texas on Tuesday morning, along with areas of patchy to dense fog that could reduce visibility during the morning commute, especially west of Austin, where winds will be lighter.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Michael Chesna and bystander Vera Adams in a July 2018 rampage.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Most notably was school resource deputy Scot Peterson, who waited outside as Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old former Stoneman Douglas student, went on a killing rampage in the freshman building.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Although disappointed that the audio leaked, many players look back on it with amusement.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Universal Studios Japan just made the first move in making our Poké friends into an amusement-park staple.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Spices and seasonings make our taste buds – and sometimes our bodies – dance in delight.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The roar was one thing, but even more memorable were the gasps of shock and delight from the fans when the finish was shown on the screens.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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