1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in entertainment
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public
the founder of a recovery program who doesn't view gambling as a harmless distraction for people of modest means
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in diversion
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
a harmless distraction for children at the playground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 distraction
The apps may not include the newest AI tools, but that also means no distractions or workflow-breaking updates.
—
Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025
It's designed for productivity on the go, allowing users to quickly jot down notes and sketch out ideas with minimal distractions – something that smartphones can't readily deliver.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
Between the constant movement and never-ending distractions pulling their focus away from the camera lens, getting that perfect shot can feel impossible.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Minimize distractions, Dedicate your full attention to the road.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025
It's designed for productivity on the go, allowing users to quickly jot down notes and sketch out ideas with minimal distractions – something that smartphones can't readily deliver.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
Between the constant movement and never-ending distractions pulling their focus away from the camera lens, getting that perfect shot can feel impossible.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Minimize distractions, Dedicate your full attention to the road.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
The 30-hour search for a suspect Across the country, the killing of the prominent political figure and media personality – the latest in a string of political violence incidents – had sowed shock and confusion.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
-
In one notable instance, antipathy toward business has led to confusion and unnecessary tension.—
Kerry Jackson,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement Buyback frenzy — But plenty of companies are profiting like crazy off the AI boom—so why has Ellison profited so uniquely enormously?—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
While earlier incidents against Jewish sites, coming amid the backlash over the soaring death toll in Israel’s conflict in Gaza, sparked a media frenzy around this particularly act of brazen antisemitism, the pigs’ heads did not have the same effect.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Its chips can power in-car entertainment systems, for example, and on Monday, the company announced a partnership with Google Cloud that allows automakers to create their own digital assistants.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The 58-acre yard is the epicenter of what the Broncos hope will be a transformative project, anchored by a multi-billion dollar stadium and flanked by an entertainment district designed to host events, draw fans and generate revenue nearly every day of the year.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a little diversion halfway through Justin Bieber’s new album, SWAG II, the expansive 23-track follow-up to his July drop SWAG.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Storytelling becomes not mere diversion but a weapon, a means of survival, and — most movingly — an avenue for Cherry to discover her true desires.—
Leila Latif,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Citations for not having headlights on during rain, fog or smoke and for not wearing a seatbelt were also dismissed.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In the summer of 2025, the Faroes experienced a heat wave of sorts, with temperatures up to the low twenties (Celsius) and several days of almost no rain and fog only in the morning.—
Mattias Goldmann,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the rampage and said the repeat offender endangered the public.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Prosecutors say Hopson got angry because someone was dancing with his girlfriend at the party, pulled out a knife, and went on a bloody rampage that ended with four victims hospitalized — two of whom died.—
Tresa Baldas,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Test yourself on autumn amusements and federal firsts in this week's American Culture Quiz.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Vanna White, the show's longtime letter turner, responded, prompting some amusement from both Seacrest and Ault.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That’s the way Fleur looks at Julian in real life too — adoring and feverishly in love, so when Fleur announces that the pair are getting married over dinner with friends, everyone responds with joy and delight.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Suddenly, and to the great delight of both Anna and her fellow AC, Ryan (John Early), there’s some real juicy drama in the Junction.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share