as in distracted
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 detracted
To center Jack instead, however, might have detracted too much from his role as an object of warped desire within the house.
—
David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
For Loeffler, a 50-year-old father of three kids, those ever-expanding duties demanded too much time and detracted too much attention from the objects of his sports obsessions.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
For Loeffler, a 50-year-old father of three kids, those ever-expanding duties demanded too much time and detracted too much attention from the objects of his sports obsessions.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detracted
Verb
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Its glare-free screen also helps keep reflections away so you won't be distracted.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
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Symptoms can include being easily distracted, difficulty keeping track of time and impulsivity.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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So, when funds meant to ease those pressures are diverted elsewhere, the impact is immediate.—
Jason Gallion,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
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Data centers have sparked backlash from communities across the state that are worried about higher utility bills, strained power grids and water being diverted away from families to cool servers at massive data centers.—
Brendan Steinhauser,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detracted. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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