1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
in my distraction I forgot where I was
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
In fact, creating a distraction from mounting political problems at home may be a welcome byproduct of the escalating nuclear rhetoric.
—
Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Others suggested Trump and his White House were planting an intentional distraction.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 2 Aug. 2025
The reasons behind the ban include decreasing distractions for students during instructional time, as well as cutting back on cyberbullying and fighting between students while in school.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
Ultimately, though, the committee is likely to stand pat, putting the distractions on the side and the decision over a cut off to September.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Others suggested Trump and his White House were planting an intentional distraction.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 2 Aug. 2025
The reasons behind the ban include decreasing distractions for students during instructional time, as well as cutting back on cyberbullying and fighting between students while in school.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
Ultimately, though, the committee is likely to stand pat, putting the distractions on the side and the decision over a cut off to September.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction
Noun
-
Signs of infection come on fast, and are hard to miss: High fever, severe headache, confusion, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, altered smell and taste, and even seizures – which begin a day after the amoeba's journey up the nasal passage.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Aug. 2025
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This means young people may misinterpret responses as genuine care, leading to confusion between real and artificial relationships, says Dr. Shahani.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But, in the frenzy to get ready, don’t forget about the hospital bag essentials that’ll make your delivery experience (hopefully) a little easier.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Centered between the Kelce brothers was a silhouette resembling Swift, sending fans into a frenzy.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The part of the celebrations that most interests my home entertainment channel, though, is the launch on October 7 of the film’s new 4K Blu-ray edition.—
John Archer,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Multiple live entertainment options are available this weekend, including music festivals and a Broadway musical.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
And Manchester, a roughly 4,400-person town hugged by southern Vermont’s Taconic and Green mountains, has a bounty of seasonal diversions.—
Ashlea Halpern,
AFAR Media,
1 Aug. 2025
-
The stories state that Israel hasn’t provided evidence of diversion by Hamas of food or of Hamas being imbedded in the civilian population, implying that Israel is lying.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Zero visibility strategy: 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,
12 Aug. 2025
-
The clarity provided by such a statement can break through the fog of mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians and allow both to imagine a future worth striving for.—
Ami Ayalon,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
That was a distraction from the perpetual confusion in that first year of Covid, which in itself was a distraction from much of Trump’s rampage through Washington.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Tamura then continued his rampage through the lobby, fatally shooting a woman attempting to hide behind a pillar and a security guard stationed at his desk.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, there are vast numbers of people who would like to put together songs from clips and samples, either for their own amusement or for commercial reasons.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Many viewers took to the comments to share their amusement at the canine's antics.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
And then there’s Preserve, a delight for the taste buds where food preservation is central to the dining experience.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The family lived modestly on a street in central Edinburgh that was full of delights for a curious child.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
10 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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