distressed 1 of 2

Definition of distressednext

distressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distress

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 distressed
Adjective
The suspect's ex-wife also said that Ghazali had been deeply distressed after two of his brothers along with their kids were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Adam Sabes , Garrett Tenney, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026 Barnes & Noble’s purchase of distressed local shops in Denver and San Francisco has been bittersweet for book lovers in those cities, who may resent the chain but relish the preservation of their local institutions. Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
Ukrainian drone operators were reportedly distressed at having to kill horses, but have apparently adopted new tactics. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026 For some with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), they may be distressed by the prospect of germs or how foods are prepared. Dr. Ellen S. Rome, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distressed
Adjective
  • In the past decade, his more scattershot discography has similarly seemed to reflect his troubled state of mind.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Azabal plays Layal, a tightly wound Arabic professor whose troubled teenage son Daniel (Zolghadri) is expelled from high school, prompting her to escort him from Indiana to California to live with his estranged father.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • First, when shares are at a depressed value, investors can move more of them into the tax-free account.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Dee labeled Angie as depressed, bipolar, lacking empathy, narcissistic, et cetera.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These developments have alarmed some at DOT.
    Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The move alarmed some travelers who worried that immigration officers might use overly aggressive tactics inside the nation's airports.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Dickinson appeared somewhere between perturbed and seething.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent Jason Taylor had previously announced the decision to truck the sand from the site and said no natural habitat would be disturbed.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Your sleep was disturbed, and in a big way.
    Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump has long agitated for changes at CNN, and members of his cabinet, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth, have openly cheered for an Ellison takeover of CNN.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
  • There was also no difference in safety outcomes, such as unplanned removal of a ventilator or other action from agitated patients.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Its glare-free screen also helps keep reflections away so you won't be distracted.
    George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Symptoms can include being easily distracted, difficulty keeping track of time and impulsivity.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fuel sales for vehicles are rationed, airlines have suspended flights or reduced frequencies many workplaces have reduced hours.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distressed. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on distressed

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