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.

When AI is described as if it has intentions, it can distract from the humans behind it.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought Medvedev had "played the rules quite well" and did not believe his gesture had been enough to distract him.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Two weeks into the conflict, more than a dozen interviews with voters in Erlanger, Ky., revealed fears over the potential for another elongated U.S. war to distract from domestic concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

“Especially things of value. Your jino blade had those rubies on the hilt, so I figured that might be enough to distract it.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Vocabulary lists containing distract

List 3

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