distract

verb

di-ˈstrakt How to pronounce distract (audio)
Definition of distractnext
1
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
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

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 The internet is demanding justice for a dog who was snubbed from a rightfully deserved treat after her owner got distracted. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 For a film that doesn’t get too creative with the title, Clown in a Cornfield’s fun, witty and absurd take on the slasher genre also comments on a divisive culture fueled by corrupt government, distracting America with its own suffering and pitting its people against each other. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025 Have we been distracted too much by all the verbal fireworks this season from CK, Phillip, and Seychelle to notice that Lete is an absolute assassin out there? —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025 Grave screamed for help, but security personnel were distracted by the game and not paying attention, the lawsuit said. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distract
  1. divert
  2. disturb
  3. bother
  4. worry
  5. concern
  6. alarm
  7. unsettle
  8. agitate
Verb
  • However, with the AI and crypto booms diverting attention and resources to cutting-edge domains, CRUD businesses have become less common.
    — Mohan Kumar, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Article 23 is very explicit in outlining that a High Contracting Party, such as Israel, shall allow the free passage of humanitarian supplies, but that is if, and only if, there are no serious reasons to believe these supplies are being diverted from their destination or used for military purposes.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of divert
Verb
  • Carsley said during his spell as interim coach that White still had his ‘do not disturb’ status activated after Southgate’s departure last summer.
    — Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The graves had been disturbed, but researchers could still identify one as an adult woman.
    — Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • The First Amendment’s free speech protection is under siege by the Trump administration and that should bother every American, including Republicans.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • By the end of the day, my T-zone had turned a little bit oily, but honestly, not enough to bother me.
    — Denise Primbet, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of bother
Verb
  • The young centre barely had time to worry about making a first impression on his new team: The Senators hosted the Rangers at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
    — Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Twenty-two percent worry about the potentially dangerous consequences of messing up, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems.
    — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of worry
Verb
  • Plus, top economist Diane Swonk on what most concerns her about the economy right now.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • A couple of neighbors concerned about Nantwi used to attend his court hearings, Ricco said.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of concern
Verb
  • Kennedy’s reaction to measles outbreaks alarms public health experts because the former lawyer embraces myths that vitamin A and cod liver oil are effective against the virus.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Trump has alarmed European allies by appearing to turn toward Moscow, breaking with decades of U.S. foreign policy.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of alarm
Verb
  • Global markets are unsettled by the ongoing trade war and fear a recession is looming as a result.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This westward push has deeply unsettled continental Europe, which has traditionally relied on the United States, the most powerful NATO member, to contain Russian aggression.
    — Raul Elizalde, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of unsettle
Verb
  • Fill the bucket with water and carefully (with rubber dish gloves) submerge the stained garment in the water, agitating slightly.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Astronauts will initiate the fermentation in space by adding water to the device, which will monitor the level of alcohol and mechanically agitate the mash to achieve successful fermentation.
    — Akiko Katayama, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Definition of agitate

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Cite this Entry

“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distract. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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