Definitions

distract

[dih-strakt] / dɪˈstrækt /

VERB

divert attention; confuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amuse bewilder detract disturb divert entertain fluster mislead perplex puzzle trouble

STRONG

abstract addle agitate befuddle beguile confound derange discompose disconcert engross harass madden occupy sidetrack stall torment unbalance unhinge

WEAK

call away catch flies draw away frenzy lead astray lead away mix up throw off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

anger bore calm clarify clear up comfort explain tire upset

STRONG

help make happy soothe

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.

To be sure, a lot has been happening that could distract people from their tax returns.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Sometimes the blustery weather can distract play, as a takeaway food bag blowing onto the main stadium court during Grigor Dimitrov’s first-round victory against Terence Atmane did on Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

Brook's drop of Sanju Samson should not distract from a definite improvement in fielding during this tournament, under the eyes of rehired fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Partisanship, the first president observed, “serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

It does distract me from my other distractions for a bit, and I’m able to knock out my homework and shower without getting sidetracked.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone

Vocabulary lists containing distract

List 3

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

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"In the Spotlight," Vocabulary from the informational text

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