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 Steven was there for Conrad in that moment too, finding him on the beach hyperventilating and talking him out of the panic to distract him. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 July 2025 Ives had proposed that Tesla’s board step in to restrict Musk’s political activity, which Ives believes is distracting Musk from his main mission at Tesla and thus hurting the stock. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 July 2025 Based on our work with 1,500 financial institutions, here’s how lenders can approach modernization now to minimize interruptions to business while maximizing returns: Pinpoint inefficiencies that slow operations and distract from delivering customer value. —Eric Bierry, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 McClary was the shooter, while Todd Scott tapped on his passenger window to distract the young cop, records show. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 8 July 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
  • Critics of President Donald Trump have claimed that the release is an effort to divert attention from the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • With 90% from demolition and 10% from construction, these materials could be diverted from the landfill and sold.
    — Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Definition of divert
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    — Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Definition of bother
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of worry
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of concern
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of alarm
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of unsettle
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of agitate

Browse Nearby Words

distorts
distract
distracted
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Cite this Entry

“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distract. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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