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
Emerging tech that doesn’t reduce a pain point or smooth a choke point is a distraction from company culture, ethos and your bottom line.
—
Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
That was seen by party lawmakers as an unwelcome distraction in an election year for National, which has governed New Zealand in a right-wing coalition government since the 2023 vote.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
Both Richard and Gonzalez said the best way to avoid hurting a worker, yourself, or another driver is pretty simple-- slow down, increase your following distance, and put down the distractions.
—Elle Meyers, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
The Beijing robot half-marathon was a distraction.
—Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
That was seen by party lawmakers as an unwelcome distraction in an election year for National, which has governed New Zealand in a right-wing coalition government since the 2023 vote.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
Both Richard and Gonzalez said the best way to avoid hurting a worker, yourself, or another driver is pretty simple-- slow down, increase your following distance, and put down the distractions.
—Elle Meyers, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
The Beijing robot half-marathon was a distraction.
—Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
Invite someone in, agree on a clear next step, and follow through together so momentum builds without confusion or mixed signals.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After shooting, there was initial confusion as to what had happened before journalists were able to reach their news outlets to report the details of what unfolded.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The novel delivers all the frenzy of a gold rush with rhythmic, hypnotic prose.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Look at the frenzy of activity on Thursday night.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Shopping, dining, and entertainment are on tap at the village-like Shops at Kukuiʻula, where residents will find boutiques with upscale global brands as well as island designers, fine dining restaurants and casual eateries, weekly farmers markets, and occasional live music.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Thousands of actors, directors, writers and other entertainment workers have signed an open letter opposing the deal, arguing that further consolidation of the media industry will hurt creators and consumers.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
From last year’s clubhouse diversions, the basketball hoop and the pool table remain.—
Ronald Blum,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Checkpoints, road closures and diversions have become routine sights, particularly around sensitive zones.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The conditions may also make coastal California feel more humid and muggy because of the loss of cooling fog and because warmer air holds more moisture, according to Swain.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Together, the synergy of Mercury and Neptune in Aries can feel like the restlessness of trying to make a decision while in a fog.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Prosecutors say the gunman, disguised as a police officer, began his rampage by shooting Hoffman and his wife, then stopped at the residences of two other lawmakers who weren't home.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
But the Gunslinger’s murderous rampage is a symptom of a larger problem.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Laid-back Orange Beach offers the same unbeatable sugar-soft shoreline, plus family-friendly amusement and water parks, dolphin cruises, nature trails, championship golf, fishing excursions, and free concerts.—
Anne Olivia Bauso,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
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As their story spread, millions of viewers reacted with a mix of shock and amusement at the dramatic itinerary switch.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Reupping your Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is more of a delight than a slog, and the refills are pretty enough to sit on the shelf at Sephora or be featured in an influencer’s product flatlay.—
Kara McGrath,
Allure,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Endlessly Quotable • Peak Patinkin There are few films with a higher delight-to-runtime ratio than The Princess Bride.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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