Synonyms of distracts

distracts

verb

present tense third-person singular of distract

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

• diverts
• detracts
• amuses
• throws off
• abstracts
• entertains
• wanders
• calls off
• strays
• beguiles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• focuses
• concentrates

2

as in disturbs

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy

distracted by the looming tax deadline

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disturbs
• bothers
• worries
• angers
• unsettles
• concerns
• alarms
• agitates
• annoys
• haunts
• distresses
• perturbs
• derails
• confuses
• irritates
• plagues
• upsets
• dismays
• undoes
• unhinges
• disquiets
• embarrasses
• ails
• frazzles
• fusses
• aggravates
• rattles
• exasperates
• discomforts
• exercises
• discourages
• discomposes
• harasses
• pesters
• freaks (out)
• irks
• vexes
• distempers
• bugs
• riles
• flurries
• bedevils
• piques
• weirds out
• flusters
• harries
• chafes
• confounds
• disconcerts
• gets
• hagrides
• grates
• mortifies
• peeves
• disheartens
• frets
• demoralizes
• discomfits
• unnerves
• puts off
• puts out
• galls
• daunts
• nettles
• fazes
• chivies
• discountenances
• dispirits
• abashes
• jars
• shakes up
• nonpluses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calms
• soothes
• settles
• quiets
• composes
• alleviates
• allays
• assuages
• tranquilizes
• appeases
• pacifies
• placates
• mollifies
• conciliates
• propitiates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of distracts

This cultural debate distracts from systemic policy failures and the high cost of raising children, which makes motherhood an economic battleground. — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

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