distraction

noun

di-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce distraction (audio)
Definition of distractionnext
1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty in my distraction I forgot where I was

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2
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house

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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

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4
as in diversion
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a harmless distraction for children at the playground

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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 The one issue that could have been a distraction — Daniels’ attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU in an effort to get the school to stop using Daniels’ name, image and likeness — appears not to have rattled the quarterback. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 There was some distraction when a woman with a dog came in to court. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 By the time a 24-hour stream of distractions became available via smartphone, every member of the reading public was primed to lean into their most venal interests. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Wrestling for them has become a welcome distraction from the fact that Jenny’s mother is dying of cancer. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
  1. confusion
  2. frenzy
  3. entertainment
  4. diversion
  5. fog
  6. rampage
  7. amusement
  8. delight
Noun
  • The company, which offers credit cards used to make rent and mortgage payments, had fumbled a critical transition, leading to confusion and financial stress for its customers.
    — Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Aggregators typically disclose this information in their search filters, and knowing it in advance avoids confusion on arrival.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Some market participants are already taking action by betting on a cooling AI frenzy.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The companies’ interest in the Monarch data center shows how the feeding frenzy for compute has reached a new pitch as AI companies look to nail down capacity amid the AI buildout.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of frenzy
Noun
  • Until now, backlash has been Hollywood’s default stance on AI, as the industry slumped under pressure from entertainment streaming services and soaring production costs.
    — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The scenery is beautiful, though the onboard entertainment leans into classic all-inclusive territory, complete with a digital saxophone performance, audience participation, and the inevitable Macarena throw down.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • The gatherings were family events meant for diversion, Paul said.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Less snowpack, as well as more water diversions for agricultural and urban uses, has brought the lake down to less than 33% full and 8 feet below its minimum healthy elevation.
    — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Tech has crept into every facet of everyday life, like an invisible fog of ones and zeros.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • The shooting came less than 10 days after a high-profile incident in Thailand, where a student went on a shooting rampage at a school on the outskirts of the capital, Bangkok.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The shooting came less than 10 days after a high-profile incident in Thailand, where a student went on a shooting rampage at a school on the outskirts of the capital Bangkok.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of rampage
Noun
  • In stories centered on objects ranging from a button to a tin soldier, young authors recognize the it-narrative’s potential not only for amusement but for showcasing the power of the small and marginal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Remmick, Jimmy Crystal and Larry Lamb share an unrelenting desire to entertain, whether performing music outside a juke joint, indulging amusement with graphic violence or delighting the British reading public with scandal and drama.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • Seeing ominous vines twist to life on towering trees, or watching the Cheshire Cat materialize through the woodland setting, is always a delight.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • And the vongole, an instant take on the famous clam pasta, is an unexpected delight.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight

Browse Nearby Words

distracting
distraction
distractions
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Cite this Entry

“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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