DISTRACTION Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

distraction

noun

di-ˈstrak-shən

Definition of distraction

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty in my distraction I forgot where I was

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frenzy

a state of wildly excited activity or emotion driven to distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in diversion

someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a harmless distraction for children at the playground

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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 Washington Post’s reporting on digital cameras examines why younger photographers are drawn to older cameras, pointing to their distinctive images and distraction-free experience. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 The Washington Post’s reporting on digital cameras examines why younger photographers favor older models, including their distinctive look and distraction-free experience. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 Looting is typically a byproduct of the actual protests, as people exploit the distraction of the protests to act out. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Maintain eye contact with the lens or host, present professionally and make sure your surroundings are appropriate and free from distractions. — Victoria Usher, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraction

Noun

Almeida said Election Day confusion is possible in some precincts but the nature of the threat requires a collective effort.

— STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Lula’s victory followed confusion at polling places after Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ordered a last-minute, two-hour extension of voting nationwide.

— David Unsworth , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

Concerns also remain that their prices shot too high following a yearslong frenzy, even though companies in the industry continue to report growth.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Stocks that have benefited from the frenzy over AI have been swinging over rising worries about their path ahead.

— Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of frenzy

Noun

The partnership aims to create quality animation and family entertainment that will be launched on direct-to-audience platforms.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Yes; multiple dining options, casual entertainment, plenty of room to spread out, and easy transportation make this one of the easiest choices in Denali for kids.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertainment

Noun

That includes investing in treatment and diversion programs that offer assistance to people struggling with addiction, community violence intervention programs, youth services, counseling and alternative response programs.

— Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
Clever architecture means that the hotel’s true scale—and make no mistake, this is a bells-and-whistles resort with enough diversions to keep guests occupied for weeks—is hidden until the final moment.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of diversion

Noun

The morning fog had lifted as Bates trails one of his delivery trucks and its driver, Lee Wood.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Oyamel firs thrive in cool, moist, mountainous environments, usually between 1,200 and 4,100 meters (3,940–13,450 feet) above sea level, where fog and precipitation are common.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fog

Noun

Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026
In IconArrows pointing outwards For an extra admission fee, the farm also offers amusement rides and carnival games.

— Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of amusement

Noun

Grenada The new year marks the 150th anniversary of Spicemas, the annual August carnival in Grenada, which is known as the Spice Island due to its cultivation of nutmeg, cloves and other scented delights.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
That may not be everybody’s notion of delight, but each to his own.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of delight

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distracting

distraction

distractions

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“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraction. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distraction

noun

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