1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
While working tirelessly to make America great again there is no room for distraction.
—
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 July 2025
This is when life throws distractions your way, motivation dips and even the strongest intentions get tested.
—Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
An effective working-class movement puts action over distraction.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Trying not to get riled by little distractions is also good for one's state of mind.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 July 2025
This is when life throws distractions your way, motivation dips and even the strongest intentions get tested.
—Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
An effective working-class movement puts action over distraction.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Trying not to get riled by little distractions is also good for one's state of mind.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
Amid uncertainty and confusion, people turn to leaders who promise to guide them out of darkness.—
Emi Eleode,
Time,
14 July 2025
-
Split oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to avoid regulatory confusion.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Another trait often ascribed to footballers is courage — the kind that enables them to put their head into a frenzy of flying boots, or take a decisive penalty when thousands are willing them to fail.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
-
That one came down to a late penalty and sent the French crowd into a frenzy.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
Food trucks, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and educational programming from community partners are some of the activities offered.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
This information including any specific securities mentioned is for educational, entertainment and illustrative purposes only and not a recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any individual security.—
David Thomas,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Twenty years later, grant funding from the Department of Justice has set up 61 treatment courts and 30 diversion programs across Wisconsin.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
4 July 2025
-
The new regulations include a diversion program that refers first-time violators to an online safety course.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Using a mosquito 'bucket of doom' is much cheaper than getting a pest control service to come fog or spray your yard.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
4 July 2025
-
Heavy rain pelted the rescuers, who also battled fog and 45 mph wind gusts, according to officials.—
Sara Schilling
July 2,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
The Facebook group admins point out that Papa Rodger is similar to the name of a hero in the incel community, Elliot Rodger, the 22-year-old who killed seven men and women near the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, in a 2014 rampage that targeted a sorority house.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
11 July 2025
-
Shanes James, the man charged with killing six people in a 2023 shooting rampage that began in Bexar County and ended in Austin, has officially been deemed competent to stand trial.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
At one point, the support bars bowed inward and the whole chair collapsed toward the ground—much to my friend’s amusement.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
-
But this new version of Krypto is both very powerful and very rambunctious, and Superman has trouble training him, much to the amusement of Superman’s peers like Batman.—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Despite stirring up trouble in front of the camera, Rashad has been a dream to work with, much to the delight of her millennial co-stars.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
6 July 2025
-
That gave San Francisco a 5-1 lead, much to the delight of the thousands of Giants fans present at the intimate minor league park.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share