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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.

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

Museum labels may distract as much as they inform.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Don’t let these comments distract you from securing a consistent paycheck.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

Ironically, because the shows are on her phone, she says there is no other device to distract her.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.