detract

[dih-trakt] / dɪˈtrækt /

VERB

take away a part; lessen

Synonyms

STRONGEST

draw away

STRONG

backbite belittle blister cheapen decrease decry depreciate derogate devaluate diminish discount discredit disesteem knock lower minimize reduce underrate undervalue vilipend withdraw

WEAK

laugh at misprize subtract from write off

Antonyms

STRONG

commend compliment develop enlarge exaggerate exalt expand extend grow increase laud overestimate overrate overvalue praise raise upgrade value

WEAK

add to optimize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Should they detract from her advice, when maybe hearing “I have a good kid” could really help someone?

From Slate • May 10, 2026

Sadly we lost 1-0 to an emerging Manchester City side but that result does not detract from the magic of the FA Cup - I can't wait to see what this weekend brings.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The panoramic view and shifting of perspectives broaden the book’s interest but detract from its focus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The day-to-day volatility comes with the territory, analysts at Citi say, but it shouldn’t detract investors from buying Nebius.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

And besides, I suspected that fighting a battle royal might detract from the dignity of my speech.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Vocabulary lists containing detract

Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" (1863)

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Grade 9, List 6

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"The Gettysburg Address," Vocabulary from the speech

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