as in to distract
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
according to police, the suspect had been derailed in recent months by mounting financial problems
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Recent Examples of derail
Does Marnie's response to her plans getting derailed come off as a bit neurotic?
—
Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
After a train carrying chemicals derailed and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023, residents were exposed to carcinogens such as vinyl chloride, acrolein and dioxin.
—Knowable Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
Crypto regulation bills stumble in U.S. Congress Republicans were driving toward a fresh round of new crypto laws this week before a faction within the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives suddenly derailed the proceedings.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 July 2025
Too abrupt a transition would derail progress, leave people behind and cost millions of lives.
—Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
After a train carrying chemicals derailed and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023, residents were exposed to carcinogens such as vinyl chloride, acrolein and dioxin.
—Knowable Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
Crypto regulation bills stumble in U.S. Congress Republicans were driving toward a fresh round of new crypto laws this week before a faction within the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives suddenly derailed the proceedings.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 July 2025
Too abrupt a transition would derail progress, leave people behind and cost millions of lives.
—Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derail
Verb
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As the plant grows around it, the support becomes almost invisible and does not distract from the plant's beauty.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.—
Essence,
Essence,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Signs on the fence that surrounds the property warn of large fines for disturbing the site, which is the subject of investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cal-OSHA.—
Nathaniel Levine,
Sacbee.com,
19 July 2025
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In 2005, an anonymous tipster sent the family disturbing images of a woman from an adult website based in the Caribbean.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
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This means that some people might not bother using them.—
Ben Coxworth
July 26,
New Atlas,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Buying back-to-school supplies can be challenging for families, so organizations and companies across Phoenix are hosting backpack and school supply giveaways to ensure that no student has to worry about being ready for the school year.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
19 July 2025
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Consider buying bottles with pumps so guests don't have to worry about unscrewing lids and pouring the syrups in their drinks.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
Verb
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In an interview with an internal affairs investigator, Pascua said she wasn’t alarmed by Elisa’s fall.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Those of us frustrated or alarmed about the scope of the Trump administration’s immigration raids must unequivocally condemn violence against government workers and law enforcement.—
Dallas Morning News,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Verb
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While some prominent voices have praised Harvard’s response, prospective students may be concerned about the potential ramifications of this ongoing dispute.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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The traffic alert was reported Thursday at 4:38 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Thursday at 4:47 p.m. Crash update: I-40/US-71 There is a crash on northbound I-40/US-71 between MO-150 and Main Street.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The Almanac said the Southwest, including California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, could experience unsettled, showery conditions on Halloween this year.—
Olivia Rose,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
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By the late 1800s, in one of their many acts of unsettling America’s natural balance, white men had hunted wolves and mountain lions to extinction in the East.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Verb
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The strength being shown is also predicated on confidence within Newcastle that Isak is happy at the club and will not agitate to leave.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Groups are agitating for federal policymakers to revise station ownership rules, which cap ownership at a total reach of 39% of the U.S.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derail. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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