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
Period production and costume design (by Anthony Gasparro and Amy Roth, respectively) are instantly evocative of the era, while being careful never to distract with conspicuous kitsch.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Megan is the first to suspect something amiss as these prominent participants disappear during the event, though at first no one believes her — including Lori, who’s distracted by the attention coming her way from Tiffany’s fed-up beau Tyler (David Iacono).
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025
To some extent, the Dardennes distract us from this listicle of issues with the skill of old hands used to making unwieldy narratives work.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Some, like Amber Case, founder of the Calm Tech Institute, believe that these design choices distract from devices' purpose and functionality and are calling for a new approach to product design.
—ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for distract
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Megan is the first to suspect something amiss as these prominent participants disappear during the event, though at first no one believes her — including Lori, who’s distracted by the attention coming her way from Tiffany’s fed-up beau Tyler (David Iacono).
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025
To some extent, the Dardennes distract us from this listicle of issues with the skill of old hands used to making unwieldy narratives work.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Some, like Amber Case, founder of the Calm Tech Institute, believe that these design choices distract from devices' purpose and functionality and are calling for a new approach to product design.
—ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for distract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distract
Verb
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External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2025
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Kelly is diverting her eyes to the politics always in every film.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
Verb
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However, some 3,000 years ago—around the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age—newcomers to the area disturbed the burial site by removing parts of the mound and displacing stones.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 May 2025
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Solar flares can disturb Earth's ionosphere, for instance, briefly disrupting high-frequency radio signals and leading to brief radio blackouts on the daylit side of the planet during the flare event.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
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The walk, only his second this month, bothered him.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
Verb
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One thing Salmon didn’t have to worry about before Monday’s game was having support.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
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In 1956, a survey of over 2,000 professors showed that 61% had been contacted by the FBI; 40% worried that students might misrepresent their politics; and about a quarter would not express their views for fear of the government.—
Time,
Time,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Regulators and watchdogs have also long been concerned about donations from individuals with ties to foreign interests.—
Brian Slodysko,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
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Overnight, officials were primarily concerned with high levels of volcanic gas such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide that can have far-reaching effects downwind.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, in an email, said that he was alarmed by the decision to cut the funding, adding that many Missourians in need of behavioral health care come to Kansas City.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
23 May 2025
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The warning follows a concerning rise in measles cases nationally, with a significant outbreak in Texas that has alarmed public health officials.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Since taking the helm in 2018, Powell has steered the Fed through a litany of challenges, such as an economic crisis sowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a historic bout of high inflation, and now, an erratic global trade war that has unsettled decision-makers across the world.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
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But also recognize that sometimes our most significant relationship growth comes through moments that initially unsettle us.—
Anna Pulley,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Some Israeli officials have agitated for Israel to rebuild Jewish settlements in the enclave, but Mr. Netanyahu has rebuffed the prospect for now.—
Samuel Granados,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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Moderate and battleground-district Republicans are pushing back on threats to Medicaid, while conservatives and budget hawks are agitating for deeper cuts.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distract. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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