1
2
as in to disturb
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 distract
Through it all, a television plays telenovela reruns to distract me from the pain and to drown out the sound of the dental work for the unsuspecting salon patrons on the other side of the wall.
—
Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Natalie suggests that, while everyone is distracted by the heist, Riri should swipe a scrap from Parker’s cloak for analysis.
—Stacia Brown, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Hedda, which stars Tessa Thompson as Hedda Gabler, is a feature reimagined take of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 stage drama, Hedda Gabler, about a bored newlywed and daughter of General Gabler who becomes distracted by her father’s pistols and a ne’er-do-well, Judge Brack.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 26 June 2025
And cars equipped with tons of sensors are less likely to get distracted, less likely to speed, less likely to fail to see someone crossing in their path in the twilight hours.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distract
Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Natalie suggests that, while everyone is distracted by the heist, Riri should swipe a scrap from Parker’s cloak for analysis.
—Stacia Brown, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Hedda, which stars Tessa Thompson as Hedda Gabler, is a feature reimagined take of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 stage drama, Hedda Gabler, about a bored newlywed and daughter of General Gabler who becomes distracted by her father’s pistols and a ne’er-do-well, Judge Brack.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 26 June 2025
And cars equipped with tons of sensors are less likely to get distracted, less likely to speed, less likely to fail to see someone crossing in their path in the twilight hours.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distract
Verb
-
In 2023, another Delta flight diverted to Terceira due to an engine issue.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
10 July 2025
-
The plane diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston, and Massachusetts State Police officers took Reid into custody.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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However, infrared videography can help record what’s going on on the beach without disturbing the turtles or crabs.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
10 July 2025
-
The first beaver to be released in this project was trapped at Arlington Wildlife Area along the Gila River after causing land management issues, like clogging pipes and disturbing irrigation infrastructure.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.—
Richard Godwin,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
-
That really bothers me more than anything else; that bothers me more than even being excluded.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
When Test Track officially opens on July 22, guests will not have to worry about virtual queues.—
Megan duBois,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
-
On account of its relative remoteness--sat between Scotland 200 miles to the south and Iceland 400 miles to the north--the Faroe Islands hasn’t had to worry about over-tourism too much.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The suit alleges that several internal memos concerning drugs and other contraband have gone unheeded for years.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
-
The warning was released on Monday at 4:41 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 4:47 p.m.—
Kansas City Star Bot
Updated July 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The apostles are alarmed, but Jesus understands his destiny is coming.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
-
The entire affair—the opening, the closing, the paranoia, and then the alarming news of a shooting (which was unrelated and, thankfully, nonfatal)—could be easily put down to the vagaries of big-city life.—
Emma Sarappo,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Their love is reignited in the most unlikely form, but not everyone welcomes her return—especially March’s family, still unsettled by a ghostly presence that appeared after a factory worker’s death forced their business to close.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
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The chaotic shuttering of USAID by Trump and Elon Musk and the still unfolding humanitarian fallout in several African countries has unsettled many.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Both robots have the same vacuum brush roll design, incorporating rubber fins and bristles to effectively agitate dirt on multiple flooring surfaces while keeping themselves clear of hair tangles.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 July 2025
-
Avoid doing anything to heat or agitate plastic, so quit putting plastic containers in the microwave and kiddie cups in the dishwasher.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distract. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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