distraction
noun
dis·trac·tion
di-ˈstrak-shən 
1
: something that distracts : an object that directs one's attention away from something else
turned off her phone to limit distractions
One created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.
2
: the act of distracting or the state of being distracted
especially
: mental confusion
driven to distraction by their endless chatter
Synonyms
Examples of distraction in a Sentence
It was hard to work with so many distractions.
One of them created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.
A weekend at the beach was a good distraction from her troubles.
Their endless chatter drove her to distraction.
Recent Examples on the Web
The adults thought a trick-or-treating trip would be a good distraction.
—
Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Both are watchable distractions, even if the sequel feels a little thin in places.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Speed, distraction, infrastructure and, as a Detroit Free Press/USA Today Network investigation revealed in 2018, the increasing presence of large trucks and SUVs with their higher front ends, have all played a role, along with factors, including darkness and impairment.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Its retro charm offers a delicious distraction from modern chaos, proving that nostalgia not only sells but soothes.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distraction 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Both are watchable distractions, even if the sequel feels a little thin in places.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Speed, distraction, infrastructure and, as a Detroit Free Press/USA Today Network investigation revealed in 2018, the increasing presence of large trucks and SUVs with their higher front ends, have all played a role, along with factors, including darkness and impairment.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Its retro charm offers a delicious distraction from modern chaos, proving that nostalgia not only sells but soothes.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distraction
Dictionary Entries Near distraction
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distraction. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distraction
noun
dis·trac·tion
dis-ˈtrak-shən
1
: the act of distracting : the state of being distracted
especially
: mental confusion
2
a
: something that makes it hard to pay attention
Medical Definition
distraction
noun
dis·trac·tion
dis-ˈtrak-shən
1
a
: diversion of the attention
b
: mental confusion
2
: excessive separation (as from improper traction) of fracture fragments
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