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Definition of disquietnext
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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
At the same time, the shrinking economy, new limits on internet access, blocks on popular messaging apps and concerns over state surveillance are adding to a wider sense of disquiet that is already starting to be reflected in polling data. Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 The work’s first movement captures a dreamlike quality, intersecting childlike wonder with an element of disquiet. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026
Verb
The impersonations were disquieting. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2026 Her images of ice blocks, lush fabrics, cherries, sea animals, and charred hearts are disquieting in the best way and well worth trekking to Santa Monica to witness in person. Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • In the final weeks of the campaign, after some unprecedented turmoil caused another candidate to drop out, that alternative became Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
    Clay Masters, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026
  • And yet, there’s a halo of chaos that surrounds Rhaenyra — an electric current of turmoil that’s too constant not to be her fault.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Connecticut Coalition for Pretrial Justice formed to press for reform of the cash bail system in Connecticut, something the group said keeps people behind bars not based on safety concerns but on their ability to pay.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Reports have surfaced this week of mental health concerns aboard the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as its crew endures more than 200 days without a port call during operations against Iran.
    Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Found in many foods For consumers, of course, the latest food safety concerns can be alarming given that lettuce and jalapeño peppers are used in many of the roughly 1 billion meals Americans consume daily.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Murphy is alarmed by what Iran stands to benefit from an end to the war.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other factors have contributed to unrest over inflation, some analysts said.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Any potential for unrest or protests related to people’s monitoring of market forecasts is likely to come in the days following the election, while ballots still are being counted, Logan said.
    Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Leaders in Springfield say the growing ICE presence many fear hasn’t yet materialized.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, heading off to senior year wearing a Care Bears backpack could be a coping mechanism that helps teens deal with fears about the future.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hospices, good and bad, worry about their bottom lines and Medicare's fraud audits.
    Kim Clark, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But that’s left some observers worried Disney wasn’t bringing in enough summertime visitors.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • According to Mukkamala, those professional challenges heighten the personal unease some clinicians feel treating addiction patients.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Such talk seemed fanciful until this week, despite long-term unease with Infantino’s style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects.
    Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Validate their emotions by acknowledging any anxieties and feelings as normal.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Poor sleep in teens is tied to anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, weaker peer support and trouble getting through the school day.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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