Synonyms for

Distracting

Verb / dɪˈstræktɪŋ / Another word for distracting — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing someone or something to lose focus or attention

Synonyms & similar words

unhinge trouble cark perturb disquiet distract deflect disorder disruptive bothersome annoying irritating unsettling troubling off-putting diverting disturbing uncomfortable embarrassing unwanted intrusive obnoxious jarring disconcerting discomfiting disorienting upsetting unsettling

Synonyms by register

Formal

disruptive diverting misleading obstructive

Informal

off-putting annoying troublesome bothersome

Literary

bewildering enthralling mesmerizing

Antonyms

attentive focused concentrated absorbed engaged earnest

Common collocations

  • distracting noise
  • distracting behavior
  • distracting element
  • distracting thoughts
  • distracting from the task
  • distracting influence
  • distracting light

Word family

noun distraction
verb distract
adjective distracting
adverb distractingly

Usage note

Often used to describe things that pull attention away from a primary focus. Can imply a negative interruption or a more neutral diversion.

Example sentences

  1. The loud music was distracting me from my homework.
  2. The bright lights were distracting the audience from the play.
  3. The TV show was too distracting for me to get any work done.
  4. The phone ringing was distracting me from my conversation.
  5. The teacher asked the students to stop distracting their classmates.

Quotes

  • I can't concentrate with all these distractions around me.
  • Distractions are the enemy of productivity.
  • Distractions take away from the things that really matter.

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