detracted; detracting; detracts
: to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something
—often used with from
small errors that do not seriously detract from the book
1
: divert
didn't mean to detract attention from the guest of honor
2
archaic
: to speak ill of
3
archaic
: to take away
Examples of detract in a Sentence
numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot
Recent Examples on the Web
These solutions are a stopgap that does not necessarily detract resources and investment from grid extension initiatives in urban and industrial areas that are poised to drive Myanmar’s economic development.
—
Keith Rabin, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2015
Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024
And remember, competition is anything that detracts people from your business.
—Michael Newman, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024
The dichotomy is not a particularly illuminating one, but this detracts little from the stimulation of each individual subject.
—Idrees Kahloon, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
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Keith Rabin, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2015
Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024
And remember, competition is anything that detracts people from your business.
—Michael Newman, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024
The dichotomy is not a particularly illuminating one, but this detracts little from the stimulation of each individual subject.
—Idrees Kahloon, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detract
Articles Related to detract
Dictionary Entries Near detract
Cite this Entry
“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detract. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detract
verb
de·tract
di-ˈtrakt 
: to take away some of the value or importance
detract from a person's reputation
detraction
noun
-ˈtrak-shən
detractive
adjective
-ˈtrak-tiv
detractively
adverb
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