detract

verb

di-ˈtrakt How to pronounce detract (audio)
Definition of detractnext
as in to divert
to draw the attention or mind to something else numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 detract Similarly, the direction—and its corollary, the editing—allows nothing extraneous to detract attention from the script’s meticulous and sturdy construction. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026 An expansion into New Mexico would add oil revenue from the Permian Basin to Texas, adding to its economy and detracting, in turn, from New Mexico's. — Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Russia is already profiting from a surge in global energy prices, and could hope that the Mideast war will detract attention from Ukraine, deplete Western arsenals and force NATO allies to reduce military support for Kyiv. — Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026 Russia is already profiting from a surge in global energy prices, and could hope that the Mideast war will detract attention from Ukraine and deplete Western arsenals. — ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detract
  1. divert
  2. throw off
Verb
  • After one unit went offline, the Romanian navy blasted riverbed rocks, dredged the channel, and sank barges filled with stones in an attempt to divert more water toward the plant and keep the other unit operating.
    — , CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Taxpayers need to know that almost $200 million of their money has been diverted away from charging stations that could help make commuting with electric vehicles easier.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of divert
Verb
  • The third-year guard gave up a drive-halting sack (with Young in at QB) after getting thrown off his spot by Deone Walker.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The motorcycle operator was thrown off the bike and seriously injured.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of throw off

Browse Nearby Words

detours
detract
detracted
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Cite this Entry

“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detract. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detract

Nglish: Translation of detract for Spanish Speakers

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