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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
Moody’s, the credit-rating agency, has already signalled its disquiet. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 16 Aug. 2026 However, Mars enters Cancer on August 11, which could lead to more domestic disquiet than usual, and Venus will run into an opposition with Saturn on August 21, which brings an interpersonal matter to a head. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 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 ensuing political turmoil, health workers went on strike, vaccine orders were delayed and follow-up vaccinations that usually accompany routine programs were disrupted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Nationwide protests over the high cost of living roiled France on Saturday, adding to turmoil over public spending and debt ahead of a critical vote in the National Assembly.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Mental health experts have voiced concerns about chatbots’ sycophancy, lack of clinical nuance, and ability to reinforce delusional beliefs.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The deal drew concern from legislators and delivery drivers, who worried about reduced competition.
    — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Abiy’s persistent calls for sovereign access to Eritrea’s Red Sea port of Assab have alarmed Eritrea and deepened the rift.
    — KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But the idea that fine adaptations of great books need to be stopping points, rather than springboards, is alarming by itself.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The unrest culminated in rioting and looting over the weekend, with officials estimating that the damages could be worth hundreds of millions of euros.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • France has had two consecutive quiet nights since the weekend’s unrest.
    — Samuel Petrequin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The White House decision has heightened fears that Ukraine could be left exposed to Moscow's escalating attacks as winter approaches.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That a self-image forged in the crucible of the fear of being ugly makes women amputate their talents?
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • And experts now worry about their potential to reach the Great Lakes.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • That worries Jonathan Jarry, a science communicator at McGill University’s Office for Science and Society in Montreal.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When the line between general unease with not knowing crosses into anxiety that interferes with daily life, people should seek professional help, said Dugas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond elevated yield levels, the widening spread between French and German benchmark sovereign bonds reflects growing investor unease over France's fiscal trajectory and debt servicing capacity.
    — , CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When the line between general unease with not knowing crosses into anxiety that interferes with daily life, people should seek professional help, said Dugas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Given Abbey’s anxieties about spending money and fear of not having enough, Stacy plans to use very conservative assumptions for inflation, health costs and average returns when making her projections based on Abbey’s savings today.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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