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
And when jet lag snarls your normal rest pattern, the window views and a cup of traditional Chinese tea awaiting each guest’s arrival become a pleasant distraction.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Disney’s greatest asset is its dedicated fan base, and trying to gather them in one place and keep them engaged amid the myriad distractions would seem to be a sound plan.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Greg Fiume / Getty Images A year ago, Michigan fans were hopeful that the Wolverines were ready to move past their off-field distractions and enter a new era of stability with coach Sherrone Moore and quarterback Bryce Underwood.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 12 May 2026
And in a world of infinite choice and constant distraction, that kind of presence is rare.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Disney’s greatest asset is its dedicated fan base, and trying to gather them in one place and keep them engaged amid the myriad distractions would seem to be a sound plan.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Greg Fiume / Getty Images A year ago, Michigan fans were hopeful that the Wolverines were ready to move past their off-field distractions and enter a new era of stability with coach Sherrone Moore and quarterback Bryce Underwood.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 12 May 2026
And in a world of infinite choice and constant distraction, that kind of presence is rare.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
Constant changes and slow IRS guidance led to widespread confusion and, eventually, abuse that forced the IRS to put a moratorium on claims on September 14, 2023 until August 8, 2024.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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So there’s little doubt that the emergence of jumbo-size Messi’s across America’s lawns create more intrigue than confusion, even in a nation where soccer as a whole remains a second-tier sport.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The hotel’s L’Oasis pool garden — hidden slightly farther inside the property away from the frenzy of the Croisette — mimics the show’s poolside power plays.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
-
In the 88th, a shot that sends Jamaica’s Blake flying across his goal at full stretch works the crowd into a frenzy.—
Franklin Leonard,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The spa Indoor and outdoor pools here provide extra options for entertainment, and the patio’s sunbeds see a lot of attention, especially on weekends when rates often drop here.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Throughout her career, the actor has deliberately chosen powerful, complex roles and founded the Geena Davis Institute to combat unconscious bias and increase representation in entertainment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The goal is to develop a sense of unflappability through any potential diversion, according to the person, while also staying spontaneous enough that the performance doesn’t become robotic.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
-
One other person allegedly involved in the shooting, Justin Johnson’s brother Jemarcus Johnson, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact and sentenced to six years of diversion and community service.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The emotional fog begins to lift while feelings of hesitation fade away.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Legendary television executive Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), the managing director of Corinium, is on a rampage.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
Among the various aspects of the movie that its English title refers to, not least is the unhinged rampage Lina unleashes at a couple of schoolgirls, a gringa loca on the razor’s edge.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Fiesta Texas in San Antonio Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is both an amusement and water park, featuring thrilling roller coasters and rides for kids.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Families can enjoy boardwalk amusements in Old Orchard Beach, vintage arcades in York, and water parks in Saco.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Bourgeois-Tacquet’s elevator pitch — unforeseen circumstances lead Gabrielle, a workaholic 55-year-old surgeon, to question her life choices — isn’t exactly earth-shaking, and the film lacks the propulsive spontaneity that made Anaïs in Love such an off-kilter delight.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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On May 12, Colbert sat down with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pedro Pascal and wound up kissing both of them on the lips to the delight of his studio audience.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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