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Definitions

distraction

[dih-strak-shuhn] / dɪˈstræk ʃən /
NOUN
having one's attention drawn away
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aberration complication confusion disturbance diversion interference interruption
STRONG
abstraction agitation amusement beguilement bewilderment commotion disorder dissipation engrossment entertainment frenzy game pastime perplexity preoccupation recreation
WEAK
divertissement
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm order peace
STRONG
calmness labor profession task work

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.

Attia, whose name appeared more than 1,700 times in the Epstein files, said he didn’t want to be a distraction for the network.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Still, a strange, viral Facebook post in 2025 caused a distraction.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“It’s a great distraction from the high cost of meals,” Spiegel said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Wales' shot at World Cup qualification arrives as a welcome distraction from Forest's fight against relegation for Williams.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

My mind was scratching itself raw over how Mum and Dad'll react to what I did today, so I got the Christmas tree out of its cupboard as a distraction.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell