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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 idea is one of extension, of continuing the thread of modernity, of constantly making new again and again—maintaining continuity against so many distractions, ignoring the jewelry-rattlers who want to be entertained in the fancy theatah. — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 This monitor has a borderless display on three sides to prevent distractions, and it's equipped with a zippy 75Hz refresh rate so all your operations glide easily across the screen. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 Schools must also distinguish between eliminating a distraction and creating genuine engagement. — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The leftover inventory continued and proved to be a huge distraction. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 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 new on-pitch laws… There was confusion at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup, when substitute Fin Cartwright was held back from entering the pitch straight away.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The confusion is that Italian etiquette is not the same as Italian-American etiquette, where the continuing use of the spoon is not uncommon.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • The effort thrust Kansas City into a nationwide mid-decade redistricting frenzy amid a bitter fight for seats in Congress.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Bank of America pledge isn’t limited to the AI frenzy, focusing on sectors such as transportation and water systems as well.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of frenzy
Noun
  • Sony Vizha will combine original fiction, global reality formats, movies and tentpole entertainment across television and digital platforms ahead of its October debut.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Airlines around the world are currently plagued by delays in their efforts to deliver new premium offerings — including increasing passenger demand for privacy, high-tech connectivity and inflight entertainment — to meet the surge in air travel.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Tuesday morning’s workout brought a welcome diversion from drills, when SDSU players and coaches moved from the turf to the grass practice field and actually played some football.
    — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The movie’s greatest diversion occurs when Wilson meets an aging rock-and-roll musician, and his rock documentary becomes a literal rockumentary.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • For near the coast this weekend, a thick layer of clouds and fog can be expected.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There are fog machines, rainstorm fans, seat shaker amplifiers, flashing strobe lights and strong scents, according to Regal’s website.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • Through the help of new and old audio tapes and Manson family members, Berlinger argues that the murderous rampage began with a botched drug deal by a man named Bobby Beausoleil.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The rampage caused more property damage, additional crashes between other vehicles and ultimately injuries to three people who were treated at a hospital.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of rampage
Noun
  • In a television ad for Dunkin’, Kylie Jenner wore a blush-pink, satin, structured blazer with over-the-top shoulder pads, a designer choice that generated some amusement online from those previously unfamiliar with the brand’s name.
    — Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The press noted with amusement the plight of the court reporter who threw his hands in the air in frustration after trying to transcribe scatting.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • There’s a nice localised touch via a railway footbridge on the approach depicting the highs of Southampton’s football history and the delights of the city centre, particularly Oxford Street, can be enjoyed before strolling on to the match.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That said, books are still a hugely important part of my life and a delight.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight

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Cite this Entry

“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distraction

Nglish: Translation of distraction for Spanish Speakers

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