as in to distract
to draw the attention or mind to something else
numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot
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Recent Examples of detract
These solutions are a stopgap that does not necessarily detract resources and investment from grid extension initiatives in urban and industrial areas that are poised to drive Myanmar’s economic development.
—
Keith Rabin, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2015
Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024
And remember, competition is anything that detracts people from your business.
—Michael Newman, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024
The dichotomy is not a particularly illuminating one, but this detracts little from the stimulation of each individual subject.
—Idrees Kahloon, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for detract
Keith Rabin, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2015
Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024
And remember, competition is anything that detracts people from your business.
—Michael Newman, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024
The dichotomy is not a particularly illuminating one, but this detracts little from the stimulation of each individual subject.
—Idrees Kahloon, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for detract
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Cite this Entry
“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detract. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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