unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles
Synonyms of unsettlenext

transitive verb

1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose
Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.

Examples of unsettle in a Sentence

Such a sudden change will unsettle her. the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The combined disgust, discomfort, ignorance, and fascination with our Indigeneity that unsettled my aunties and fascinated my cousins made more sense to me. Literary Hub, 28 May 2026 What can safely be said is that AI vertical production has reached the edge of the film market, even if its role is still unsettled. Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 An inheritance draws Lena into a world of luxury unsettled by a disappearance in this advanced-development feature, backed by Mallorca’s Espaitemps and supported by an ICAA screenplay development grant. Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 25 May 2026 The future of relationships can feel energized and unsettled during today’s Libra moon. Usa Today, USA Today, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsettle

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettle was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb
un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him

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