1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in entertainment
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public
the founder of a recovery program who doesn't view gambling as a harmless distraction for people of modest means
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in diversion
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
a harmless distraction for children at the playground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 distraction
But on this, there were never any silly distractions.
—
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Advertisement Musk, the Tesla chief who purchased Twitter and has vowed to populate Mars, has been a colossal distraction and a magnet for controversy from what should be a unified Republican team in control of the House, the Senate, and the executive branch.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Proponents for phone restrictions or bans point to fewer distractions in the classroom.
—Shoshana Dubnow, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Ambient noise can be a significant distraction during travel.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Advertisement Musk, the Tesla chief who purchased Twitter and has vowed to populate Mars, has been a colossal distraction and a magnet for controversy from what should be a unified Republican team in control of the House, the Senate, and the executive branch.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Proponents for phone restrictions or bans point to fewer distractions in the classroom.
—Shoshana Dubnow, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Ambient noise can be a significant distraction during travel.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
In other words, bills still need to be paid no matter the confusion of politicians eager to distort the pricing mechanism that organizes the market economy.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
But, Zach Pozniak, chief operating officer of Jeeves NY and co-author of The Laundry Book, is here to clear the confusion.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Pete Alonso’s game-tying three-run home run in the eighth inning was the signature moment — a blast over the center field wall that sent the Mets’ dugout into a frenzy and temporarily turned loanDepot park into Citi Field South.—
Noah Gulley,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
-
This seems like a win-win situation, offering expertise to these young adults and introducing them to a world which too often was a frenzy of agents, publicists, etc whose own bottom lines were more paramount than any of the student-athletes needs.—
Kennington Smith III,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Formerly an entertainment venue and public garden in the late 1800s, Zhang Yuan later became a residential area until the government took over in 2018.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The network and Ramsay’s Studio Ramsay Global are also teaming up to launch a digital culinary and entertainment brand called Bite.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The pilot program was funded by the county commission in 2023, and was designed to assist at-risk tenants and their families through free legal assistance and eviction diversion programs.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Nicolas Cage's ex, Christina Fulton, has a message for the actor after their son, Weston Coppola Cage, was ordered to complete a mental health diversion program on Wednesday, April 2.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Zero visibility strategy: In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The fog will lift by mid-morning, according to NWS Melbourne.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Later, Su-ho is brought to the hospital, where he is watched over by his grandmother and friends like Si-eun and Yeong-i. Su-ho’s sorry state prompts Si-eun to go on a vengeful rampage to exact violence on anyone involved with the attack.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Her 15-month-old dog had managed to break free and go on a destructive rampage before heading back into the crate and taking a nap.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The bulk of Everybody’s Live is clearly designed for the comedian’s amusement.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Joan's immediate reaction was one of understandable amusement.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Get The Recipe Cherry Delight As the name implies, this cool dessert is a true delight.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Lou was brought home, happy and healthy, to the obvious delight of his best buddy.—
Terry Baddoo,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share