Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for distract. Search instead for distrau.
Definitions

distract

[dih-strakt] / dɪˈstrækt /
VERB
divert attention; confuse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amuse bewilder detract disturb divert entertain fluster mislead perplex puzzle trouble
STRONG
abstract addle agitate befuddle beguile confound derange discompose disconcert engross harass madden occupy sidetrack stall torment unbalance unhinge
WEAK
call away catch flies draw away frenzy lead astray lead away mix up throw off turn aside
Antonyms
STRONGEST
anger bore calm clarify clear up comfort explain tire upset
STRONG
help make happy soothe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even Marcus Smith's personalised boots – featuring Quins' diamonds in the colours of England and the Philippines, Baybayin calligraphy and Jasmine blossom – couldn't distract from his team's troubles.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

He wants to distract attention from the Epstein files.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Sometimes the blustery weather can distract play, as a takeaway food bag blowing onto the main stadium court during Grigor Dimitrov’s first-round victory against Terence Atmane did on Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

Don’t let these comments distract you from securing a consistent paycheck.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

Ophie cast her eyes around the room for something to distract the cousins before they could get started on her when she noticed an eerie light out in the garden, just beyond the lace curtains.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.