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
That afternoon, Mira was in the market for a tinted sunscreen, but distractions abounded.
—
Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
That isn’t a distraction from their training.
—Alex Korb, Ph.d., CNBC, 4 May 2026
Rose Island Lighthouse offers a secluded stay with ocean views, wildlife, and no Wi-Fi distractions.
—Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
It’s called avoiding distractions at all costs.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
That isn’t a distraction from their training.
—Alex Korb, Ph.d., CNBC, 4 May 2026
Rose Island Lighthouse offers a secluded stay with ocean views, wildlife, and no Wi-Fi distractions.
—Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
It’s called avoiding distractions at all costs.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
As Mars pushes against Jupiter, doing too much creates confusion.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
But in the confusion and shock of the shutdown, few travelers appeared to notice, or make use of, the offers.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The flight cuts come after the Federal Aviation Administration brought the hammer down on the flying frenzy at Chicago’s largest airport last month.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The musical, brimming over with Broadway in-jokes and phallic humor, doesn’t build so much as whip itself into a frenzy.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
In addition to founding CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network, Turner launched multiple TV and entertainment brands -- including Cartoon Network, TNT and Turner Classic Movies.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
-
The company’s entertainment streaming operation posted an 88% leap in operating income, reaching $582 million.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
This diversion was sold as temporary and that when state revenues stabilized and recovered, then the municipal portion of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund would be restored.—
Jennifer Mahr,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
-
Upon landing, the woman was taken into police custody and the pilot thanked James and Phoenix, shaking their hands and saying their intervention prevented an expensive diversion.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
These sensors enable real-time monitoring across a wide range of conditions, including low light, fog, and obstructed environments, while onboard AI and machine-learning classifiers help identify and flag potential threats.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
-
His 2025 tape, WOMB, embodied this through his pensive grumbles over wispy vocal chops; each bar that cut through the fog was steeped in sober gravitas.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hours after the terrifying rampage, a similar fatal incident took place at Koodalminikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda when an elephant that had shown signs of restlessness during a ritual procession the night before broke out of its enclosure and attacked its handlers, per News Karnataka.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
-
The above breaks trends that began with Norris’ upset 2024 Miami Grand Prix win that broke the Invincible Verstappen rampage.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
Imagine if Game of Thrones utilized the mind-altering technology of Westworld to extend the world of your favorite fantasy franchise beyond books, beyond television, into immersive theater-slash-amusement-park entertainment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Screenwriter Jeremy Slater takes pains to pay homage to the games as much as possible, featuring so many throwaway references that the aficionados at the press screening were screaming with delight.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
-
Susie, on the other hand, continues to be a perfect delight.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
