distraction

Definition of distractionnext
1
2
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

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 Today’s astro-weather is buzzing with unread texts and analysis paralysis, but beneath all of the distractions (not to mention the need to overexplain yourself), an important truth is coming to the surface. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 But after a distraction from Paul, Breakker hit a spear. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 Families and employees expressed concern about academic distractions and cyberbullying/social conflict and were somewhat concerned about mental health and social media exposure related to mobile device use. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 More distraction and more entertainment in the vehicle is not the solution. Scott Keogh, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
  • Experts said the announcement is sparking confusion and uncertainty among many, including potentially thousands in Chicago.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 24 May 2026
  • The confusion isn’t limited to consumers.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Two pitches later, Bader sent Oracle Park into a frenzy.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
  • After some initial media frenzy during spring training with the Orioles last year, the scrutiny died down.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Robert and Susan founded the entertainment company Team Downey, which has produced Perry Mason, The Sympathizer, Play Dirty and more.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • The podcast will explore how Latinos are leaving their imprint on the world of entertainment and beyond, from the emergence of young Hollywood talent to the global dominance of Latin music.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • The lawyers add that both parties were accepted into a felony pre-trial diversion program in partnership with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, which provides an alternative to traditional prosecution for eligible defendants.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
  • In 2015, Paxton was indicted on securities fraud charges, and the charges were dropped as part of a pre-trial diversion deal in 2024.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Every leaf, branch, and gust of wind bounces sound waves back to the hunter, creating a deafening acoustic fog.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
  • When an agent triggers a bad action, ownership often dissolves into a fog of prompts, product decisions and access policies.
    Oleg Malii, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Within an hour of the celebration’s ending, the gunman began his rampage.
    Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
  • There were 12 separate shootings during the rampage, which police say appeared random, including at a fire station.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Steel Pier still anchors much of its amusement culture—stretching over the ocean, the historic site is filled with midway games, rides, carnival lights, and the Observation Wheel, which gives wide views over the shoreline, casinos, and boardwalk.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Its real draw, though, is Italian artist Gianpaolo Pagni’s design inspired by the late-19th-century American amusement act in which horses jumped from up to 60 feet into tanks of water.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Musical delight did not seem to be biologically endowed in quite the direct way people had assumed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The jingle has staying power — much to the delight of prolific thriller author James Patterson, who helped write the lyrics in his early career in advertising.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on distraction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster