distractions

Definition of distractionsnext
plural of distraction
1
2
as in entertainments
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

3

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 distractions But more recently, Clark’s tenure has been marred by dissent and distractions. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026 No internet browsers, social media, and no games means fewer digital distractions and less potential exposure to inappropriate content. Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026 In mid-February last year, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s own phone ban took effect, receiving mixed-reactions from students and parents, but lauded by teachers as a remedy for in-class distractions and a lack of social interaction between students. Jordyn Hermani, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 Hindu seekers retreat to ashrams, Muslims seclude themselves in mosques away from worldly distractions during Ramadan to practice I'tikaf, and Jews break from work and technology every week on shabbat. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026 To the Players Association, such competitive balance arguments are age-old red herrings, distractions from the owners’ ultimate goal of increasing their franchise values and lining their own pockets. Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 When the political distractions are set aside, this was very simply about money — something conservatives, and especially a president who touts the economy, should celebrate. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026 But Fishman and Redford are far more interested in whiz-bang filters and digital effects, distractions to appeal to short-form entertainment devotees, which had the ironic side effect of wildly shortening my interest. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 No screens, no distractions—only the kind of presence that lingers long after the vows are spoken. Nikita Khanna, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distractions
Noun
  • Before the Lost Weekend, John and Yoko had their New York Year — turning their personal confusions into beautifully vivid moments of rage and pain.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The party was a most enjoyable dance, typical of the charming informal entertainments for which the club is noted.
    From staff reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Television, which greeted the new year with fresh entertainments of all shapes and sizes.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On Earth, the storms can lead to power blackouts, cause air travel diversions, and interfere with radio transmissions.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The drug companies alleged that using contract pharmacies led to abuses, such as duplicate billings, product diversions, and ineligible rebates.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Barresi and Cuellar hold each other up with palpable tenderness, each one crafting a long, poignant arc from innocence through the fogs and thorns of experience.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There's a mix of on-the-beach relaxation (which is also pet-friendly) and off-the-beach amusements, such as go-kart tracks, a handful of mini-golf courses, a number of ice cream shops, and good restaurants.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
  • That will keep the rest of us from footing the bill for their part-time seaside amusements.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Only one other angler availed himself of the river's delights Thursday.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Their film explores the vulnerability of the trans-masculine community by delving into Bean and Rozos’ own personal experiences, intertwined with the delights, challenges, and tragedy within Brockington and Prescott’s lives.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Accessories should be minimal and delicate, to avoid any tangles mid-journey.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
  • But the seven-member volunteer commission — long expected to take the reins from OPD’s federal overseers — still seems to be struggling to gain footing within Oakland’s complex bureaucratic tangles.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Chilean filmmaker spent over three years on the film, shooting the recreations as well as interviews with the principals and researching archive.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2026
  • While people tag her in dozens of videos every day, Humphrey tries to pick recreations that are authentic moments caught on camera.
    Kate Perez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distractions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distractions. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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