1
as in confusions
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in diversions
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 distractions
Others are rapidly considering similar initiatives nationwide in an effort to cut down on distractions.
—
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026
The king needs few distractions.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Getting rest while traveling is important, and loud distractions can make that feel impossible.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones Deal As Sony’s lightest wireless noise-cancelling headband, the WH-CH720N uses an Integrated Processor V1 to delete ambient distractions.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026
Remove labels or transfer items to matching containers to reduce visual distractions.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
No noise, no distractions — just his presence.
—Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
The outlet noted that cockpit distractions had resulted in the autopilot steering the aircraft toward mountainous terrain.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Quality family time without interruptions or distractions is easily found here.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026
The king needs few distractions.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Getting rest while traveling is important, and loud distractions can make that feel impossible.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones Deal As Sony’s lightest wireless noise-cancelling headband, the WH-CH720N uses an Integrated Processor V1 to delete ambient distractions.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026
Remove labels or transfer items to matching containers to reduce visual distractions.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
No noise, no distractions — just his presence.
—Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
The outlet noted that cockpit distractions had resulted in the autopilot steering the aircraft toward mountainous terrain.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Quality family time without interruptions or distractions is easily found here.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 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
-
Weisberger’s book may have been an opportunistic takedown, but the director David Frankel and the screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna spun it into one of the finer Hollywood entertainments of its era, with the pleasing sophistication and bitchery of a classic studio comedy from the forties or fifties.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The park allow visitors to experience the movie stories; the movies remind you of the park rides; the whole reminds you of beloved childhood entertainments.—
Mark Lane,
USA Today,
15 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
-
Over-the-counter pesticides and fogs will not do the job.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
And be prepared for something that dazzles, delights and reacquaints you with Rowling’s imaginative variations on a British school experience.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Caramel layer cakes are known to be finicky, but these tiny delights pack all that flavor without any hassle.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This can happen due to your natural hair texture, dryness, or environmental stressors like wind, friction from your pillowcase, or pollution—your cuticles can catch on each other like Velcro, Small says, causing tangles.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The microfiber-esque texture, Dyson says, allows for the cones to pick up hair without tangles.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Since our feet support our weight, an unsupportive shoe can make or break endurance, balance, and movement on bustling travel days or during high-energy recreations.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The film originally cost $155 million, in part because of expensive music rights and extensive recreations of famous concert performances.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distractions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distractions. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
