DISTRACT Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

distract

verb

di-ˈstrakt

Definition of distract

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

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 weary and distracted Dodgers never again showed much energy on a night when Dodger Stadium did its best. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 In recent weeks, the city largely agreed with findings that public feuds among council members erode public trust and distract from the council's responsibilities. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 What’s a better way to distract yourself from horrific abuse allegations from your son? — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 If a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars, the art inside an airport that reminds us of our humanity and distracts us from our fatigue is an object worthy of praise. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distract

Verb

The transfers have allowed the Senate GOP group to support Paxton without diverting resources away from Republicans in other competitive races across the country.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Cargo on ships that have diverted away from the Hormuz is backing up at the region’s alternative gateways.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of divert

Verb

She was especially disturbed by the emotional vulnerability that someone could exploit when a person believes a relationship is genuine.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Police Chief Paul Joseph said at a press conference on Tuesday that Lieu had a criminal history involving firearms and disturbing behavior.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturb

Verb

Gee, who used to pop into fraternity parties unannounced to keep tabs on them, said he is not bothered by the reintegration of the three formerly rogue organizations.

— Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
This is a dense picture—there’s almost too much to unpack, if you can be bothered to care about any of it.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

More than half of people using AI at work worried that using it on important tasks would create exactly that impression.

— Christoph Trattner, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Opponents worry that the changes would mean less money getting invested in rural housing, precisely when housing affordability issues are hitting those areas the hardest.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of worry

Verb

As for Adebayo, the Heat doesn’t seem to concerned about his groin issue.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Unions are concerned the bots — which Simbe claims can save employees up to 50 hours of work per week — could put human employees out of work.

— Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of concern

Verb

Abiy’s persistent calls for sovereign access to Eritrea’s Red Sea port of Assab have alarmed Eritrea and deepened the rift.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
But the idea that fine adaptations of great books need to be stopping points, rather than springboards, is alarming by itself.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of alarm

Verb

But the long gearing also has its benefits in fast driving, allowing full-throttle use without overwhelming the chassis or unsettling the rear end on corner exit.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
But at the same time, Nellis said, significant unfunded spending commitments could unsettle financial markets and push government borrowing costs higher.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsettle

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“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distract. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distract

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Synonyms of distract

verb

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A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

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