DISTRACTED Synonyms: 247 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'distracted' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of distracted are absentminded , absent , abstracted , and preoccupied . While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety. // was too distracted by grief to continue working

Q: When is 'absent' a more appropriate choice than 'distracted'?

The meanings of absent and distracted largely overlap; however, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters. // an absent stare

Q: When can 'absentminded' be used instead of 'distracted'?

In some situations, the words absentminded and distracted are roughly equivalent. However, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness. // so absentminded , he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Q: Where would 'abstracted' be a reasonable alternative to 'distracted'?

The words abstracted and distracted are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters. // walking about with an abstracted air

Q: When might 'preoccupied' be a better fit than 'distracted'?

While the synonyms preoccupied and distracted are close in meaning, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others. // too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

distracted 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈstrak-təd

Definition of distracted next

as in agitated

feeling overwhelming fear or worry she's been distracted about her son ever since he left on that polar expedition

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in preoccupied

lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions the distracted driver rear-ended the pickup truck that had stopped for the red light

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dazed

suffering from mental confusion she's been chronically depressed and distracted since her husband's death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

distracted

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distract

as in diverted

to draw the attention or mind to something else we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in alarmed

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy distracted by the looming tax deadline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word distracted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of distracted are absentminded, absent, abstracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is absent a more appropriate choice than distracted?

The meanings of absent and distracted largely overlap; however, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When can absentminded be used instead of distracted?

In some situations, the words absentminded and distracted are roughly equivalent. However, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Where would abstracted be a reasonable alternative to distracted?

The words abstracted and distracted are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When might preoccupied be a better fit than distracted?

While the synonyms preoccupied and distracted are close in meaning, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of distracted

Adjective

Max and Avery head to her rescue — creating an opportunity for some flirtation away from Tristan — but are too distracted by the woman’s impending doom to make any romantic progress. —

Claire Franken, TVLine, 24 Oct. 2024 The research is plentiful that distracted students are at a disadvantage and that unrestricted cell phone usage leads to bullying and worse. —

Victoria Le, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

Someone needs to be distracted for only a brief moment to be tricked into falling for a phishing email, especially one that looks real or seems to come from a legitimate email address. —

Sam Sabin, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024 Mindfulness around how long and often you are distracted away from loneliness is vital. —

Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distracted

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distracted

Adjective

And if the person become agitated or aggressive, call 911.

Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024
Noah, prompted by Eli to recall his mysterious past, enters a wordless state of terror; Eli, increasingly agitated, demands a nonverbal grade schooler tell him what’s going on.

Alison Herman, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024