as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
we could tell by the troubled looks on their faces that the news was not promising
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in feared
to experience concern or anxiety
don't trouble about me—I'll be fine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disturbed
to cause discomfort to or trouble for
I hate to trouble you, but would you mind moving for a minute so I can sweep under your chair?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 troubled
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, all the other store patrons see is a troubled girl having a breakdown.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
The island has been troubled by ash falls and lava flows since 1995, when the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted for the first time in hundreds of years.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for troubled
Adjective
The Stewart renewal is a show of support for the host — who also has biting words for Democrats, especially Senator Chuck Schumer — in troubled late-night times.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, all the other store patrons see is a troubled girl having a breakdown.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Kardashian also said she was troubled when West spoke out against her mother, Kris Jenner, and her four sisters.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
The island has been troubled by ash falls and lava flows since 1995, when the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted for the first time in hundreds of years.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for troubled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for troubled
Adjective
-
In response, the White House is planning to adjust its messaging strategy to focus on affordability to try to win over voters who are worried about the high cost of living with plans to emphasize new tax breaks and show progress on fighting inflation.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Are Americans worried about inflation just wrong?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The whales' communication can be disturbed by underwater noise made by humans, and the interference often deters them from certain crucial areas, like breeding and feeding locations.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
-
For instance, Bella's first meeting with Edward in their biology class is supposed to be this unnerving moment, where Bella is disturbed by Edward's apparent repulsion toward her.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The self-laceration is done on Damon Albarn Time, though, as Idles’ usual anxious guitar rave-ups are slowed and stripped here to a skipping, reggae-ish crawl, as synths squeak in the background and Albarn offers support via his forever-distant, disembodied backing vocals.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Obviously, Meghan’s anxious about it.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This practice had its own history, another tributary to the overshoot conjuncture that weighed heavily on its future course.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
There were ballot proposals in the county to be weighed, and treasurers to be chosen.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Mamdani's win was seen as an upset to the establishment, since the 67-year-old Cuomo is the son of a three-time New York governor and held the position himself for a decade beginning in 2011.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Boise State fans could have been upset when they were upset at home by Fresno State as their season continued to slide away from them.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
If you can’t be bothered to make the most of your credit card points, Shop With Points may be your best alternative.—
Sarah Hostetler,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Ron can’t be bothered much with Douglas.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2024, Mark looked nervous watching Grace compete in a horse show.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Senior dogs, puppies, or nervous rescues may require specialized care.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The system outage came a day after Amazon Web Services experienced issues of its own and inconvenienced millions of people around the world.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
-
How often have you been inconvenienced or downright victimized by cybercrime?—
Rick Bennett,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troubled. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share