DISTRACTION Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

distraction

noun

di-ˈstrak-shən

Definition of distraction

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

as in frenzy

a state of wildly excited activity or emotion driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 In a story about confronting your past and accepting personal responsibility, the gods are just a distraction. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026 Same goes if George Pickens isn’t a distraction all season long. — Vic Tafur, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Collecting bureaucrats’ signatures is at best a distraction from those efforts. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 16 July 2026 Guthrie will surely appreciate the hosting distraction as the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction

Noun

The 2017 Open Championship, which Spieth won despite — perhaps because of — a 22-minute ordeal of confusion, patience and a whole lot of running up and down a steep hill of thick, shrubby dune grass.

— Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Still, as the clock creeped closer to midnight, and fans also heard that supposedly Jay-Z had to end the show by midnight, confusion reigned with many people suspecting the concert might get canceled.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

The feeding frenzy for Parsons follows the similar hunt to land Obsession director Barker’s next original project.

— Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
After all, cyclosporiasis cases traditionally rise in the summer, and the frenzy of news around the parasite likely prompted people who typically would have weathered the illness at home to get tested.

— Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of frenzy

Noun

Photo courtesy of Easterseals For more than 40 years, the Media Access Awards has been one of the entertainment industry’s few dedicated platforms for recognizing disability representation on screen.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
In an era of entertainment increasingly dependent on franchises, Christopher Nolan has turned his name into one of them.

— Gene Park, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

Definition of entertainment

Noun

Their storylines are strong enough to keep audiences engaged even when convoluted subplots and unnecessary diversions bog down the main narrative between Judith and Debbie.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
Taraska said that one of the teens completed a diversion program and a case was dismissed.

— Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of diversion

Noun

The theater has wind, water, fog, scent, snow, lightning, and vibration effects to capture the feel of being inside the movie.

— Zuri Primos July 18, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
Nass suggests the Gray Lady, a citrusy gin concoction that borrows the nickname for Nantucket’s fog.

— Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Definition of fog

Noun

The plane carrying the deportees arrived on the same day the United Nations confirmed that a deadly gang rampage in the hills above Port-au-Prince had left at least 61 people dead, including 14 children.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Closing arguments in the guilt phase of Carlos Dominguez’s second murder trial in the 2003 stabbing rampage that left two Davis men dead and critically injured a third victim began Tuesday afternoon in Yolo Superior Court.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of rampage

Noun

Mornings begin with a gentle workout followed by workshops on topics like breath work and meditation, while afternoons are busy with winery tours, cooking classes, horseback riding, and other cultural delights.

— Katie Camero, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
In another especially science-fictiony case, ticks’ very saliva can spark a severe allergy to such delights as ice cream and hamburgers.

— Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of delight

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distracting

distraction

distractions

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“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of distraction

noun

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