DISTRACT Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'distract' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distract are bewilder , confound , dumbfound , nonplus , perplex , and puzzle . While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests. // distracted by personal problems

Q: When might 'bewilder' be a better fit than 'distract'?

While in some cases nearly identical to distract , bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking. // a bewildering number of possibilities

Q: When can 'confound' be used instead of 'distract'?

Although the words confound and distract have much in common, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement. // the tragic news confounded us all

Q: When is 'dumbfound' a more appropriate choice than 'distract'?

The synonyms dumbfound and distract are sometimes interchangeable, but dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound . // was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Q: When could 'nonplus' be used to replace 'distract'?

In some situations, the words nonplus and distract are roughly equivalent. However, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible. // the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Q: When is it sensible to use 'perplex' instead of 'distract'?

While the synonyms perplex and distract are close in meaning, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision. // a behavior that perplexed her friends

Q: Where would 'puzzle' be a reasonable alternative to 'distract'?

The meanings of puzzle and distract largely overlap; however, puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve. // the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

distract

verb

di-ˈstrakt

Definition of distract next

as in to divert

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

as in to disturb

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy distracted by the looming tax deadline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distract differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distract are bewilder, confound, dumbfound, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When might bewilder be a better fit than distract?

While in some cases nearly identical to distract, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

When can confound be used instead of distract?

Although the words confound and distract have much in common, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When is dumbfound a more appropriate choice than distract?

The synonyms dumbfound and distract are sometimes interchangeable, but dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

When could nonplus be used to replace distract?

In some situations, the words nonplus and distract are roughly equivalent. However, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

When is it sensible to use perplex instead of distract?

While the synonyms perplex and distract are close in meaning, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to distract?

The meanings of puzzle and distract largely overlap; however, puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

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 distract For those moments out of your control, both experts recommend having a game plan to redirect your energy, ideally into something that soothes and distracts you. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2025 Point Reyes abounds with treasures, from a shipwreck-laden cove to a surprising number of herding cows—which can be easily distracting, so watch the roads! —

Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025 Likewise, children who are easily distracted, prone to panic, or having trouble managing their time might also find babysitting overwhelming. —

Sarah Scott, Parents, 31 Jan. 2025 Don’t bring up sensitive topics when stressed, distracted, in a rush…or bed. —

Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for distract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distract

Verb

The plane was diverted to St. John's, Newfoundland, at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, according to Flightradar24, so paramedics could assist the ill passenger.

— Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2025
Opponents have diverted his crosses into their own net in each of the last two games, underlining how Palmer is still making good things happen.

— Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025