to detract

Examples

• All

• But this does not detract in any way from the validity of Van Vaisiga's argument.

• The phone's just trying to detract from your happiness.

  I've Had It

• Now, does that detract from what you two had together?

  Little Black Book (2004)

• Like all of those things feel like they would detract from your performances.

  Rich Roll

• But we don't want this to detract from the main event.

  Simchas and Sorrows (2022)

• Don't let that detract from what I just said.

  Arthur (2011)

• It would detract from the game.

  Knight Moves (1992)

• But this potential problem does not detract from the value of her worthwhile study.

  Academic text (1996)

• First, tests were selected to complement, not detract from, the scheduled resistance training course.

  Academic text (2012)

• The fact that it wasn't paid doesn't detract from its value.

Synonyms

T

to take away

vsto detract

795 2.3

To remove something from a place or reduce something important, for example a right

reduces worth or quality rather than only removing physical presence

D

to diminish

vsto detract

89 4.7

Make a person or thing seem less important

is about lowering actual worth or quality, not only seeming less important

E

to erode

vsto detract

83 4.2

Gradually make someone's trust, belief, or support weaker over time

can be immediate or direct rather than only slow gradual wear

I

to impair

vsto detract

61 5.1

To make something worse or less able to work

reduces value or worth specifically rather than only damaging function

D

to degrade

vsto detract

49 5.1

To make something worse in quality or value

focuses on reducing worth or value rather than only condition decline

D

to devalue

vsto detract

22 5.0

To make something seem less important or respected

is broader, also reduces quality and overall worth beyond just value

D

to deflate

vsto detract

20 4.6

To make someone feel less confident or important

reduces worth or quality itself rather than mainly lowering feelings

C

to cheapen

vsto detract

20 4.3

To make something seem less valuable, often by lowering its price or quality

is broader, reducing worth or quality not only by making it seem cheap

D

to debase

vsto detract

7 6.9

To make something worth less by adding cheaper material

is more general, not limited to losses caused by added inferiority

W

to whittle away

vsto detract

3 5.9

To make something smaller gradually by cutting or wearing it away

is not always gradual, it may also remove value quickly in one act

D

to depreciate

vsto detract

1 6.5

Make a person or thing seem less important and less valuable

is less about verbal belittling and more about lowering actual worth

D

to devaluate

vsto detract

• Specialized

7.4

To make something seem less valuable or important

is broader, applying to general worth and quality beyond official value

T

to take the shine out of

vsto detract

• Informal

7.3

To make something less enjoyable or impressive

reduces general worth or quality rather than only lowering enjoyment

Antonyms

E

to enhance

424 4.0

Make something better or more attractive

A

to augment

52 5.3

To make something bigger by adding more to it

How Damaging

to ruin

∞ 2.0

to devalue

22 5.0

to detract

32 5.9

to reduce

∞ 1.6

to lessen

34 2.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology