distraction

noun

di-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce distraction (audio)
Definition of distractionnext
1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty in my distraction I forgot where I was

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2
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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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

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4
as in diversion
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a harmless distraction for children at the playground

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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 Other practical steps include helping teens face anxious situations in small manageable steps, showing consistent compassion, setting aside distraction-free time each day and supporting nutritious meals, regular activity and steady sleep. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 Last month, a Brazilian air force probe confirmed that a combination of severe icing conditions, as well as mechanical system failures and pilot distractions, contributed to the country’s most deadly air crash since 2007. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Avoid distractions and stay alert—especially during pickup and drop-off times. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 According to Sentry Insurance’s 2026 C-Suite Stress Index, risk and litigation exposure have become major distractions at the highest levels of enterprise management. — Sentry Insurance, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
  1. confusion
  2. frenzy
  3. entertainment
  4. diversion
  5. fog
  6. rampage
  7. amusement
  8. delight
Noun
  • As last week demonstrated, this is a recipe for confusion, uncertainty, and higher borrowing costs.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The deal acknowledges that even though the two facilities have similar names, the confusion among flyers is minimal.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • That is, of course, completely unnecessary as Nolan’s version has broken box-office records and caused an ongoing ticket frenzy.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This has the support of Israel’s far right government, which faces a possible loss of power in an October election, and that’s led to a frenzy of settlement activity.
    — Greg Dixon, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of frenzy
Noun
  • This starts with maintenance and includes brand-new interiors — everything from seats to sidewalls and inflight entertainment — to keep fliers happy.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • His Marina del Rey company LaTerra Development recently completed a 575-unit complex along the 5 Freeway near the Burbank MetroLink station that caters to tenants in the entertainment industry.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Beyond the gates, the island offers a wealth of diversions, from golf at Apes Hill to trackside seats at the Sandy Lane Gold Cup.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Head underground The Bee’s diversions reporter Camila Pedrosa recently ventured deep into the earth, twice, to explore Black Chasm Cavern in Amador County, as well as California Cavern in Calaveras County.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • As his mind retreats to the hues of old movies, Charlotte breaks the fog with a glimmer of humanity.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Forecasts show temperatures reaching highs in the 90s throughout the remainder of the week, in addition to isolated thunderstorms, fog and showers.
    — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, were killed in the rampage, which sent shock waves through Winder, Georgia, a small town northeast of Atlanta.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 July 2026
  • The ensemble eking out hope in the Terrordome includes Angela McBride (Suzette Llewellyn), a mother of two who goes on a violent rampage of justice-seeking after a gut-wrenching loss.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 July 2026
Definition of rampage
Noun
  • In a television ad for Dunkin’, Kylie Jenner wore a blush-pink, satin, structured blazer with over-the-top shoulder pads, a designer choice that generated some amusement online from those previously unfamiliar with the brand’s name.
    — Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The press noted with amusement the plight of the court reporter who threw his hands in the air in frustration after trying to transcribe scatting.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • When the Valkyries compete along the shore of the San Francisco Bay’s Central Basin, there is a sort of exaggerated delight that sets the mood apart.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • When temperatures eventually dip, Shah likes keeping an extra blanket in the car—a place where many babies do their best napping, much to their parents’ delight.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight

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Cite this Entry

“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of distraction for Spanish Speakers

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