upset 1 of 3

Definition of upsetnext

upset

2 of 3

verb

1
2
3

upset

3 of 3

noun

as in disruption
an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed the move to a new town is just the latest in a series of upsets for my family over the last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb upset contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of upset are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, fluster, and perturb. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

When is it sensible to use agitate instead of upset?

While the synonyms agitate and upset 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

In what contexts can discompose take the place of upset?

Although the words discompose and upset 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 can disquiet be used instead of upset?

The synonyms disquiet and upset are sometimes interchangeable, but disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When might disturb be a better fit than upset?

In some situations, the words disturb and upset are roughly equivalent. However, disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

When could fluster be used to replace upset?

The words fluster and upset are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When would perturb be a good substitute for upset?

The meanings of perturb and upset largely overlap; however, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

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 upset
Adjective
But the director has more to work with than an on-the-field upset, the unfancied nation also having to contend with an exhausting trip across the Atlantic, temptations both romantic and financial, and a breakdown in team spirit that spills over into violence. Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Why are people upset about the 'professional' tag? Medora Lee, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Verb
They are now expected to go deep into the knockout stages and upset some traditional powerhouses. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 With a victory on Thursday, Sweden would win Group F if Tunisia upsets the Netherlands; otherwise Sweden would finish in second place. Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Noun
Thune got to the Senate 22 years ago by pulling off a historic upset of the then-Democratic leader. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 24 June 2026 The Tartan Army now descends from Boston to Miami in hopes of witnessing a massive upset. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for upset
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upset
Adjective
  • Now, multiple residents are left worried about what's to come next week with extremely hot temperatures in the forecast.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • With voters nationwide worried about inflation and the rising cost of living, some Californians might feel less inclined to provide full healthcare coverage to those lacking legal status.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 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
  • Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to disqualify the challenger and keep him off the primary ballot.
    Becky Bohrer, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews' ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to disqualify the challenger and keep him off the primary ballot.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The fires also disrupted travel across parts of Miami-Dade County.
    Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and health conditions like metabolic bone disease can disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weaker bones over time.
    Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Following their return, the council later passed an immigration action plan and an ordinance restricting city property from civil immigration enforcement on a 9-0 vote, despite the disruption.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • Minimizing disruption to work or school is a priority, according to its website.
    Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Oprah selected it for her book club; at her compound in Montecito, Whitehead was so nervous that her staff insisted on blow-drying the damp patches of his dress shirt before they were introduced.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • The low unemployment rate had made many economists nervous, including some on the Fed.
    Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The first trailer stars Keitel drinking in a bar, while the second sees DeVito’s sleep getting disturbed by a phone call.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
  • What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict.
    Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • And this boat needs to be capsized.
    Mike Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • And this may be just the start for Kim, who will soon also commission the Kang Kon warship that capsized during launch last May.
    Stella Kim, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upset. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on upset

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster