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
The deal is a welcome distraction from issues at home for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is facing a potential revolt from within his party if local elections due next year go badly.
—
Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Some environmental groups, however, warn that the nuclear industry is an expensive and harmful distraction from cheaper and cleaner alternatives.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
There's less distractions academically.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
Berman noted that the grand jury files represented a distraction from the real issue – which is that the Justice Department has the power to release all the relevant material involving Epstein to the public.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Some environmental groups, however, warn that the nuclear industry is an expensive and harmful distraction from cheaper and cleaner alternatives.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
There's less distractions academically.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
Berman noted that the grand jury files represented a distraction from the real issue – which is that the Justice Department has the power to release all the relevant material involving Epstein to the public.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
The 30-hour search for a suspect Across the country, the killing of the prominent political figure and media personality – the latest in a string of political violence incidents – had sowed shock and confusion.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
-
In one notable instance, antipathy toward business has led to confusion and unnecessary tension.—
Kerry Jackson,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement Buyback frenzy — But plenty of companies are profiting like crazy off the AI boom—so why has Ellison profited so uniquely enormously?—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
While earlier incidents against Jewish sites, coming amid the backlash over the soaring death toll in Israel’s conflict in Gaza, sparked a media frenzy around this particularly act of brazen antisemitism, the pigs’ heads did not have the same effect.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The move, prompted by backlash from affiliate owners and FCC pressure, has sparked outrage across the entertainment industry.—
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In 2020, however, Biglari’s criticism of Cracker Barrel was reignited after the company’s $133 million investment in Punch Bowl Social, a bar and entertainment concept, in 2019, failed during the pandemic.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Browsing for strange businesses on the company’s website has even become a fun diversion for his team.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Newsweek/Esri/Flightradar24 Turkish Airlines Emergency Landing After Pilot Death Another recent high-profile diversion occurred in October, when a Turkish Airlines flight made an emergency landing after one of the pilots died.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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,
17 Sep. 2025
-
If driving in dense fog, use low beam headlights, slow down, and leave plenty of distance between vehicles.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Set two years after the little robot lady went on a murderous rampage and was subsequently destroyed, M3GAN’s creator Gemma (Williams) has become a high-profile author and advocate for government oversight of AI.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the rampage and said the repeat offender endangered the public.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Test yourself on autumn amusements and federal firsts in this week's American Culture Quiz.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Vanna White, the show's longtime letter turner, responded, prompting some amusement from both Seacrest and Ault.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Chef Anand Singh, formerly of Arbol at the Five-Star Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, guides diners through Indian cooking techniques with dishes that surprise and delight.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Barbecue fans can now sample these stylish delights 50% more often, for as of Labor Day weekend Barbs accomplished a long-time goal and is now open on Fridays as well as Saturdays and Sundays.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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