1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of distraction
Attention was diffuse, amid the distractions and noise, the bright colors and lights, and the bombardment of commercial agitation.
—
Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Having a jog dial to interact with the infotainment is a plus in terms of driver distraction, but that's immediately negated by having to use a touchscreen for the climate controls.
—Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Russia initially seemed to welcome the distraction from its war in Ukraine.
—Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025
Researchers could monitor phone screens and analyze the exact amount of time spent on the educational app or other online distractions.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Having a jog dial to interact with the infotainment is a plus in terms of driver distraction, but that's immediately negated by having to use a touchscreen for the climate controls.
—Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Russia initially seemed to welcome the distraction from its war in Ukraine.
—Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025
Researchers could monitor phone screens and analyze the exact amount of time spent on the educational app or other online distractions.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
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Unlike his Western European counterparts, who waver between moral grandstanding and strategic confusion, Duda has taken the only approach that actually strengthens European security: full alignment with American leadership.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Each stanza reflects the confusion, horror and uncertainty that of the battle to keep Fort McHenry — and thus the City of Baltimore — from falling into British hands.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The meal concluded with a luscious pavlova, but the conversation lingered well into the night, as the fashion week frenzy charged ahead toward its final stretch of shows and soirées.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2025
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Big Tech stocks and companies that rode the artificial intelligence frenzy in recent years have slumped sharply.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After seven years of positioning itself within the U.S. entertainment industry, 9F Agency took a crucial step in its international expansion with the opening of operations in Mexico, led by the prominent Spanish executive Cristina Martín.—
Ingrid Fajardo,
Billboard,
5 Mar. 2025
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The Walt Disney Company is going through a round of layoffs Wednesday, impacting just under 200 employees, or almost 6% of the workforce in the ABC News Group and the company’s entertainment networks.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Sunday’s flight diversions come amid a string of incidents involving aircraft safety in recent weeks.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN,
3 Mar. 2025
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There are diversions for younger kids, such as eye-level dioramas for toddlers and fossil identification games for older kids.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Kevin Gordon, a senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab, said the back and forth with tariffs has created a fog of uncertainty for investors, businesses and consumers.—
John Towfighi,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
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Central Sacramento Valley, Southern Sacramento Valley, Carquinez Strait and Delta and Northern San Joaquin Valley are under a dense fog advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 4:55 a.m.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
The Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Amid his social media rampage, Rob also accused Chyna of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and infidelity.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
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The Abomination goes on a rampage in Harlem, and Bruce turns himself into the Hulk to defeat him.—
Eliana Dockterman,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Now proprietors are going after adults with concepts like Holey Moley and Punch Bowl Social, which combines eating and drinking with nostalgic amusements such as billiards, bowling, darts and arcade games.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
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The stark contrast between her daytime and nighttime behavior has only added to the amusement of viewers, many of whom have left lighthearted comments.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The chorizo and potato taco is a delight, featuring chunks of potato rich with spicy pork fat and bits of salty meat.—
Edmund Tijerina,
Bon Appétit,
27 Feb. 2025
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The celebrity casting this season was particularly striking with a nod to the British talent featured throughout, adding an element of surprise and delight, from Alexa Chung, Fiona Shaw and Bel Powley at Simone Rocha to Richard E. Grant, Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs and Naomi Campbell at Burberry.—
Tianwei Zhang,
WWD,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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