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Definition of disquietnext
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disquiet

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disquiet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disquiet are agitate, discompose, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

In what contexts can agitate take the place of disquiet?

While the synonyms agitate and disquiet are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When might discompose be a better fit than disquiet?

Although the words discompose and disquiet have much in common, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When is disturb a more appropriate choice than disquiet?

The words disturb and disquiet can be used in similar contexts, but disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to disquiet?

The meanings of fluster and disquiet largely overlap; however, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disquiet?

The synonyms perturb and disquiet are sometimes interchangeable, but perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When can upset be used instead of disquiet?

The words upset and disquiet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 disquiet
Noun
But the former reality television star struck a chord in Russia, where disquiet has been bubbling for months over issues including a sweeping crackdown on the internet. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026 But for outside observers and former military officials, those calls and conversations are an indication of a troubling disquiet within the ranks. Tom Bowman, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
To say that Nicholas did not share his father’s politics is an understatement, but much of his bibliography can be seen as a reckoning with his father’s unsettling career in politics and disquieting legacy. Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026 The subjects say rending but also disquieting things about killing. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • The federal program, established by Congress in 1990, shields immigrants from countries in turmoil from deportation.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • This catastrophe severely exacerbates Venezuela's existing economic crisis and political turmoil, leaving children facing extreme deprivation, malnutrition, and disease.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The bill’s impact on the massive pension system alarmed CalPERS’ staff, who estimated that premiums would increase by over $28 a month per member in the first year of the bill.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • So, even just the unusual presence of an aircraft in this area made this incident alarming for one resident, Anna, who spoke to CNN near the scene.
    Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Haiti also did it without playing a single qualifying match in Haiti because of unrest.
    Amna Subhan for the AJC, AJC.com, 23 June 2026
  • Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party retained its large parliamentary majority in recent elections overshadowed by unrest in Africa’s second-most-populous country.
    Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
  • Throughout the whole battle, that’s when fear really sets in for Jace.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • But prosecutors said their further investigation raised significant doubts about those conclusions, worrying them that a jury would not find Hobby guilty of an arson charge.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Some academic leaders worry that the report might drive students away from programs that encompass the core of human knowledge.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
    Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026
  • People's own lack of familiarity with data centers contributes to their unease about having one in their local area.
    Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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