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 outdoors tends to strip things down—ego, distraction, noise.
—
Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
Leaders across research, policy, media, and technology will examine how institutions and communities might cultivate solutions that prioritize connection over distraction.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Strong’s mindset, at a time when there are more distractions and temptations than ever in college sports, means Auriemma is left playing defense against those obstacles far less.
—Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Most keep calm and create a compelling-enough distraction as if fulfilling marching orders, their escapism a duty.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
Leaders across research, policy, media, and technology will examine how institutions and communities might cultivate solutions that prioritize connection over distraction.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Strong’s mindset, at a time when there are more distractions and temptations than ever in college sports, means Auriemma is left playing defense against those obstacles far less.
—Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Most keep calm and create a compelling-enough distraction as if fulfilling marching orders, their escapism a duty.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
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Supporters argue that maintaining a consistent time year-round would reduce confusion, improve safety and enhance productivity.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Likely in response to the confusion, prominent cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi on Saturday urged Iran’s Assembly of Experts to act quickly to name a new supreme leader.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Massachusetts Democratic pols launched a Facebook frenzy on everything from campaigning for their jobs to the war with Iran to a legislative audit, a deliberate communications strategy to avoid tough questions by spinning their stories on social media.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
-
While Denton took a two-point lead late, Webb’s shot from behind the arc sent the Birdville crowd into a frenzy and his team back into the state semifinals.—
Myah Taylor,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Petalpalooza Head to Navy Yard on April 4 for Petalpalooza, a free, family-friendly street party with art installations, entertainment, a beverage garden, and kid-friendly games.—
Katie Riley,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now Florida does have laws around diversion, being able to seal records, and yes, those are things that were afforded to me.—
March 8,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
But, Cantin said, if anyone resists leaving, they will be taken to the city’s diversion center where they’ll be offered additional services.—
Caroline Silva,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As temperatures cool into the 60s, the risk of fog will increase.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Police and firefighters failed to respond during the rampage, prompting furious residents to demand why no one helped them.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The scream, the hiss, the explosion — not a monster’s rampage.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The character designs are delightful, the physicality of the animals a constant source of amusement and the lush green backgrounds of the woodsy setting make Hoppers a treat for the eyes.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Mar. 2026
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The theatre of it all—the silly drama, the amusement—has survived the cross-country move gloriously intact.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Follow delight by letting creativity lead!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Dobbins is a delight to watch and even more fun to talk to.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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