Definition of perturbnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perturb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perturb are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, fluster, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

In what contexts can agitate take the place of perturb?

Although the words agitate and perturb have much in common, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

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

When would discompose be a good substitute for perturb?

While the synonyms discompose and perturb are close in meaning, 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 disquiet a more appropriate choice than perturb?

While in some cases nearly identical to perturb, disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When can disturb be used instead of perturb?

In some situations, the words disturb and perturb are roughly equivalent. However, 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 perturb?

The words fluster and perturb can be used in similar contexts, but fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When might upset be a better fit than perturb?

The meanings of upset and perturb largely overlap; however, 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 perturb Brunson was clearly perturbed by the sound of his friend chewing while in front of a microphone. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 3 June 2026 However, some users are perturbed by the new home screen. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026 Weston Richey, a 25-year-old Texan photographer with whom Kyra seemed to be perturbed, pulled her for a chat to try to figure out why she was annoyed with him. Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026 The survey reflects a sense that Americans may be growing less concerned about dying, and more perturbed by the financial implications of remaining alive. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for perturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perturb
Verb
  • The golf practice center would disturb an already fragile ecosystem with a high water table, the board wrote.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • Gorsuch said the opinion was narrow and did not disturb other provisions of the law, which includes a ban on guns for drug addicts, ban on guns for people presently intoxicated and prohibition of firearms for those deemed a danger to themselves or others.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • During the conversation, the individuals attempted to distract the woman by putting jewelry on her.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • These plants either repel slugs and snails or distract the pests from your garden crops.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Oh, and more often than not, nobody bothers to check whether the change intervention actually worked, or whether leaders improve their performance after all!
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The chest pain that had been bothering her finally let up.
    Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Hordes of soccer fans wearing Mexico and South Korea jerseys were walking down Olympic Boulevard energized but not alarmed in any way.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • That alarmed some lawmakers about the risk of assessments on the rest of the market.
    Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 17 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
Verb
  • One concern is parents of autistic children, who often have gastrointestinal issues, though the science linking those issues to autism is unsettled.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
  • Warner offers little comfort to executives unsettled by last week’s events.
    Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • One of the increasingly concerning threats is drones, which can be piloted remotely and are difficult to disable.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Allow room for your items to move freely and to be agitated.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
  • After that, the day shift starts agitating for a pizza party.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perturb. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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