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
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Recent Examples of distraction
Smartphones offer constant distraction from boredom or stress, allowing users to disengage from their present-moment sensations and thoughts with a quick swipe or tap.
—
J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
But that's a distraction to finding Nancy Guthrie.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
While unconventional, the idea aligns loosely with expert advice that distraction can help de-escalate emotional overload in young children.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Many criticized the program as a distraction from the country’s problems and a waste of money that the government could instead use to better the lives of everyday Americans.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
But that's a distraction to finding Nancy Guthrie.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
While unconventional, the idea aligns loosely with expert advice that distraction can help de-escalate emotional overload in young children.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Many criticized the program as a distraction from the country’s problems and a waste of money that the government could instead use to better the lives of everyday Americans.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
If any paperwork is involved, prepare it beforehand to skip mid-discussion confusion.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
-
However, cage announcer Bruce Buffer caused confusion by reading the scores incorrectly, announcing totals that favored Fortune’s opponent.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Here are six ways fans can join the local World Cup frenzy in the coming weeks, including one exhibit that’s already open.—
Dan Kelly
March 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The same frenzy has taken hold online.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The book portrays an authoritarian near-future Russia where most entertainment and all news comes through Cameras, people wired to transmit their experiences directly from their brains to the internet.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.—
Ashley Boucher,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though Singh filed the motion on behalf of Gonzalez, all defendants — including those who accepted plea deals or entered diversion programs — joined the effort to remove Rosen.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The original grant winners are eligible to apply for the composting funding, as are those who participated in an earlier food waste diversion challenge, Warren said.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The agency warns that glare, fog and choppy water can make small craft hard to spot.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Officers rushed to the scene in a popular shopping center after receiving an emergency call reporting a rampage by a knife-wielding man.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Three men ages 30, 43 and 69, along with three women ages 30, 49 and 79 suffered minor injuries in the rampage, police said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But then Bennett later pulled the same trick at the Beverly Hilton hotel, to McCartney’s amusement.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
29 Mar. 2026
-
No one wants to be a jester, debasing oneself for a more powerful person’s amusement.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Whether biennials or museum shows, exhibitions are spaces for learning about images, the world, and the pains and delights of being alive.—
Raphael Fonseca,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Marlowe and Shakespeare were just refreshers for me and also gave me a chance to act out monologues for my cellmates, much to their delight and confusion.—
Jeremy O. Harris,
Vanity Fair,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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