detract

verb

di-ˈtrakt How to pronounce detract (audio)
Definition of detractnext
as in to divert
to draw the attention or mind to something else numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 detract Similarly, the direction—and its corollary, the editing—allows nothing extraneous to detract attention from the script’s meticulous and sturdy construction. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026 An expansion into New Mexico would add oil revenue from the Permian Basin to Texas, adding to its economy and detracting, in turn, from New Mexico's. — Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Russia is already profiting from a surge in global energy prices, and could hope that the Mideast war will detract attention from Ukraine, deplete Western arsenals and force NATO allies to reduce military support for Kyiv. — Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026 Russia is already profiting from a surge in global energy prices, and could hope that the Mideast war will detract attention from Ukraine and deplete Western arsenals. — ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detract
  1. divert
  2. throw off
Verb
  • Sometimes, operators were forced to drain one pond and divert its water to save fish in another, the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Inter-branch Organization said in early August.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Tax allocation districts are designated areas where a certain amount of property tax revenue growth is diverted away from governments and used to fund specific improvements within that district.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of divert
Verb
  • Jefferson got the ball to Hale for a touchdown, rolling left and throwing off his back foot to find Jefferson in the back of the end zone.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Both are listed at 6-feet-1, can throw off platform and make plays with their legs.
    — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of throw off

Browse Nearby Words

detours
detract
detracted
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Cite this Entry

“Detract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detract. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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