detract

verb

de·​tract di-ˈtrakt How to pronounce detract (audio)
dē-
detracted; detracting; detracts
Synonyms of detractnext

intransitive verb

: to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something
—often used with from
small errors that do not seriously detract from the book

transitive verb

1
: divert
didn't mean to detract attention from the guest of honor
2
archaic : to speak ill of
3
archaic : to take away
detractor
di-ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce detract (audio)
dē-
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of detract in a Sentence

numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That will of course detract so much away from our attention. — Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025 The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. — Kary Love, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 At its minimum, however, fair trade detracts attention from the real solution and lulls consumers into a false sense of satisfaction. — Amrita Narlikar, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2013 That shouldn’t detract too much from what remain a hugely stylish, powerful little laptop that is ideally suited to business executives who want a device to slip into their hand luggage. — Barry Collins, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for detract

Word History

Etymology

Middle English detracten "to speak ill of, slander," in part borrowed from Latin dētractus, past participle of dētrahere "to detach by pulling, strip off, pull down, deprive of, speak ill (of)," from dē- de- + trahere "to drag, draw, take along"; in part borrowed from Latin dētractāre, dētrectāre "to decline, evade, speak or write disparagingly of," iterative of dētrahere — more at abstract entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of detract was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing detract

Rhymes for detract

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Browse Nearby Words

detract
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Cite this Entry

“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detract. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

detract

verb
de·​tract di-ˈtrakt How to pronounce detract (audio)
: to take away some of the value or importance
detract from a person's reputation
detraction
-ˈtrak-shən
noun
detractive
-ˈtrak-tiv
adjective
detractively adverb
detractor
-ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce detract (audio)
noun

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