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distracted

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verb

past tense of distract

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
But Russia’s commitment to Syria has not actually wavered, and Russia is not really distracted. Nicole Grajewski, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024 Garcia said distracted driving is often the primary cause for accidents in the shoulders. Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
Russia, distracted by its war in Ukraine, failed to provide back-up. John Feffer, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 In any case, we will not be distracted, delayed or deterred in our efforts to obtain a new trial for Danny Masterson. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distracted 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distracted
Adjective
  • Her agitated forms do for computers what 19th-century spirit photography did for the camera, at once exploiting a new technology and highlighting its artifice, conjuring the ghost in the machine.
    Glenn Adamson, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024
  • But Romy is uncomfortable in her own skin, agitated and anxious.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But then the rebels seized an opportunity, capitalizing on a weakened government whose key allies are heavily preoccupied with other conflicts.
    Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Meanwhile, Oliver, as usual, is more preoccupied with his own personal storyline than with the investigation at hand.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • On defense, Kurtz recalled jumping up to intercept a pass and being popped by an IMG player on the way down, leaving him dazed and dizzy.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The Terps received help from an opponent that looked dazed and bruised in that opening frame.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Bauman offered an amendment that would have diverted the funding to street reconstruction and paving projects, and a city fund that helps first-time homebuyers with down payments.
    Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • But any amount of traffic diverted should help the gridlock, the councilman said.
    Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The defendant appeared to be distraught after the verdicts were read on Thursday.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Additionally, Jimmy was then able to forgive and come to the aid of a distraught Louis (Brett Goldstein), the man responsible for that death.
    Jim Halterman, Variety, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some customers have been left bewildered at a venue that contains a total of 21 signs across its grounds, according to reporting from news agency SWNS.
    Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The clip received more than 3,900 shares and 4.1 million views on X. In the footage a young girl dressed in pink walks along the chilled aisle of a superstore, throwing products as bewildered customers look on.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Every night the lamb would cry, and be told to hush, for its bleats disturbed their sleep.
    Karen Zautyk, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The slabs of flesh were expensive, and the thought of handling them disturbed me.
    Lola Méndez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Many refugees in Europe are worried about their status after the fall of the al-Assad government.
    New York Times, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
  • By 1972, then President-Nixon’s people were worried about the prospect of segregationist former Alabama governor George Wallace drawing votes from Nixon as the potential nominee of the AIP, the right-wing American Independent Party.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near distracted

Cite this Entry

“Distracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distracted. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on distracted

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