detract
verb
de·​tract
| \ di-ˈtrakt
, dē-\
, dē-\
detracted;
detracting;
detracts
Definition of detract
: 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
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Other Words from detract
detractor
\ di-​ˈtrak-​tər
, dē-​ \
noun
, dē-​ \
noun
Synonyms for detract
Synonyms
abstract, call off, distract, divert, throw off
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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
For those of us who are trying to eat healthier, seeing the artery-clogging junk fare during commercial breaks detracts from the game — and sometimes, even more regrettably, tempts the eyes. — Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, "Calling personal foul on the food ads this football season and changing the game," 10 Sep. 2019 But these welcome moments of levity never detract from the fundamental seriousness of the subject matter. — Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Overseas': Film Review | Locarno 2019," 22 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'detract.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for detract
detract
verb
de·​tract
| \ di-ˈtrakt
\
\
detracted;
detracting
Kids Definition of detract
: to take away (as from value or importance)
Signs detract from the beauty of the scenery.
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