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 Alamo Drafthouse, the dine-in theater chain that’s popular among cinephiles, is trying to reduce distractions at the movies. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026 Leaders and teachers at a school district in Gloucester County believe New Jersey's ban on cellphones in schools will help students with learning and limit distractions. Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026 States have been banning cellphones in response to several studies, which show the phones lead to worse mental health, more distractions and lower achievement for students. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 The feature enables visual creation and photo editing with fewer distractions. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026 The point is to make a commitment to yourself to keep these activities free of other distractions and obligations. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026 Golding, when asked about what his message would be to Kiffin and anyone who doubted the Rebels to get to this point despite all the extra distractions surrounding the program during the playoff run, said the message is in the response of his team since everything unfolded. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 This is about investing time and energy in something long-lasting rather than in distractions. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 Dimon’s phone philosophy is part of his wider argument around distractions in the workplace. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
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
  • In the years following, Reiner built a career making the kind of mainstream popular entertainments that barely exist anymore, pictures like The Bucket List (2007), The Story of Us (1997), A Few Good Men (1992), and the Stephen King adaptation Misery (1990).
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 Dec. 2025
  • There are other long-running holiday entertainments out there.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Improving transparency and standards for medical kits not only benefits passengers, but may also help prevent unplanned flight diversions, which can cost airlines $70,000 to $230,000.
    Tushara Surapaneni, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Ships that are on these long diversions now will be arriving in ports sooner than expected.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Dec. 2025
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
  • The production draws on a long history of curiosity amusements in which people looked to be entertained by viewing others with unusual or non-normative bodies, especially in nineteenth-century Western circus and dime museums.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • You won’t be inclined to play games or be involved in trivial amusements.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The small round dish can be used for all sorts of culinary delights, from baking single-serve cakes to roasting garlic.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Japan draws thirtysomethings with its diverse attractions, from culinary delights to swift transportation, catering to travelers' varied interests.
    Jill Krasny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • After spraying this before a braid takedown, my hair was visibly softer and easier to mange through tangles.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Having the best brush for your dog will keep its coat free of tangles and might even prevent a big bill at the groomer’s.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • None of this was helped by the Amazon and Netflix recreations of his infamous BBC Newsnight interview with journalist Emily Maitlis, titled A Very Royal Scandal and Scoop, respectively.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 30 Dec. 2025
  • For production designer Cara Brower, the assignment wasn’t about designing sets that were perfect historical recreations, but revealing a perfect window into Hedda’s (Tessa Thompson) impish tastes and proclivities.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distractions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distractions. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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