1
as in diverts
to draw the attention or mind to something else
we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disturbs
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
distracted by the looming tax deadline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distracts
Mother’s explosion distracts Blaine and frees Sam.
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 22 May 2026
In my view, platforming these young men and sensationalizing their behaviors, rather than recognizing those behaviors as signs of psychological distress, distracts from the urgent need to address these serious mental health concerns.
—Jordyn Tovey, The Conversation, 22 May 2026
Its artificial-looking color often distracts from the landscaping.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
Their romance distracts Berlin, who is usually focused and more emotionally detached.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
Trump is renowned for his transanctionalism and willingness to deal with anybody if the dollar signs are there, but, when immigrants are involved, his interest in exclusion distracts him from the bottom line.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
We are told that raising these questions distracts from the issues that matter, such as rising costs, persistent crime and the condition of our city.
—Mark Conway, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
Or maybe a still-working phonograph of Edison’s invention distracts you, until a wall of portraits of 1920s electrical manufacturing workers pulls your gaze in a new direction.
—Michael Kilian, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Morgan concluded the practice, completing another one of Chesney’s specialties where the entire team distracts the return man from fielding a punt.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 22 May 2026
In my view, platforming these young men and sensationalizing their behaviors, rather than recognizing those behaviors as signs of psychological distress, distracts from the urgent need to address these serious mental health concerns.
—Jordyn Tovey, The Conversation, 22 May 2026
Its artificial-looking color often distracts from the landscaping.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
Their romance distracts Berlin, who is usually focused and more emotionally detached.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
Trump is renowned for his transanctionalism and willingness to deal with anybody if the dollar signs are there, but, when immigrants are involved, his interest in exclusion distracts him from the bottom line.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
We are told that raising these questions distracts from the issues that matter, such as rising costs, persistent crime and the condition of our city.
—Mark Conway, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
Or maybe a still-working phonograph of Edison’s invention distracts you, until a wall of portraits of 1920s electrical manufacturing workers pulls your gaze in a new direction.
—Michael Kilian, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Morgan concluded the practice, completing another one of Chesney’s specialties where the entire team distracts the return man from fielding a punt.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distracts
Verb
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Like the lives of the characters who comprise Weinstein’s mosaic, the music is both lovingly intricate and all too easy to ignore when the algorithm diverts our attention elsewhere.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 June 2026
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And focusing on Marilyn and a bathing suit, and calling that exploitation sort of diverts the conversation away from where she actually was exploited.—
Julian Sancton,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Regardless, there’s a clear symbolism to Clark empathizing and embracing a bloated externalization of his own inchoate fury until someone with an outside perspective disturbs his peace, and that fury breaks loose and devours him.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
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That brings us to the part of the ShotSpotter discussion that perhaps disturbs us most.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Verb
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If the expansion detracts somehow from the SARA cult fever, the co-owners are OK with that.—
Senior Wine Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
15 June 2017
Verb
-
What bothers me still is the Maloofs or (current ownership) never honored Rick with a special night.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
-
Shields added at the time that she's learned to speak up when something bothers her rather than assuming her spouse can read her mind.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
Verb
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And as demand continues to climb, Spicer worries about keeping up with the growing need.—
Sofia Baltodano
June 8,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
-
In a year where so many competing interests are fighting over a limited amount of state funds, Palm worries Shapiro's proposal may go overlooked by lawmakers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Verb
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In all, PayPal Park is allowed to host as many as 15 concerts a year, a number that delights some live music fans and angers those in the neighborhood who are concerned about the noise that these shows will generate.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
Becerra has received a lot of support from Big Oil, which also angers progressives but is also probably a good thing since California still needs a lot of oil.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
31 May 2026
Verb
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But Hyd unsettles this arrangement with their deadpan affect, playing the part of a mourning truth-seeker trying to live in the moment.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
2 June 2026
-
Her healing skills soon prove invaluable, but her wild, curious nature unsettles the monks as an evil count threatens to destroy anyone who dares protect her.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
The loss concerns an avid birder like Gang.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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Lawmaker concerns over wait times persist Bisignano's testimony comes more than one year after he was sworn in to lead the Social Security Administration in May 2025.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distracts. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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