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
Even believers in Tesla see Musk’s harping on autonomous vehicles as a distraction from the critical short-term issue of getting back to positive sales growth, according to Ives.
—
Paolo Confino, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2024
Some view the case as a distraction, compared to three other criminal cases pending against Trump, where prosecutors allege his actions present far more serious threats to democracy.
—Walter Ray Watson, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distraction 
Paolo Confino, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2024
Some view the case as a distraction, compared to three other criminal cases pending against Trump, where prosecutors allege his actions present far more serious threats to democracy.
—Walter Ray Watson, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distraction
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near distraction
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distraction. Accessed 4 May. 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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