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disarming

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verb

present participle of disarm
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as in demilitarizing
to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of the defeated nation was disarmed so that it would never again be a threat to international order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 disarming
Adjective
This will be both disarming and believable, allowing your daughter to propose times that are both far off and inconvenient. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2022 What follows instead is a pivotal listen that conveys trauma in an assured yet disarming way. Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2021 Then check out the work of Danielle Perez, who delivers jokes about the heaviest of subjects with a breezy openness that’s totally disarming. Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2021 Garments can be gorgeous, disarming, and take your breath away. BostonGlobe.com, 15 Oct. 2021 These are the results when officers choose to draw their most disarming weapon: compassion. Steve Hartman, CBS News, 6 June 2021
Verb
By placing them center stage, Omokanye honors their unseen role in preserving cultural craftsmanship while disarming viewers with beauty. Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Israel is emphatic that no withdrawal from Lebanon can take place until the Lebanese government begins the process of disarming Hezbollah. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 But Hamas has drawn a red line at any notion of disarming. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025 Her negotiation style is disarming bluntness. Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 In this day and age, receiving a cold call at any time can be disarming, but Norway’s finance minister reportedly took a most surprising ring on the streets of Oslo earlier this month. Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025 Aronson’s film is disarming, surprisingly warm, and inventive. Roger Friedman, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025 The panel rejected the federal government’s argument that the restrictions are in keeping with the nation’s history of disarming people deemed dangerous, such as people who are mentally ill or drug addicts. Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 Ditto the Emmy nominee disarming a gang of machete-wielding goons with little more than a metal rod wrapped around his forearm, his wits and his bloodied fists. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disarming
Adjective
  • Sarah Annett, 34, has taken TikTok by storm after capturing the adorable bond between her grandad, Walter Annett, and his cat named Angus.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • What Jay has created, together with legend-in the-making Michael Strassner and the adorable Liz Larsen, is pure cinematic gold.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Charlie, a charming student, agrees to help if Avery pretends to be her girlfriend to make an ex jealous.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This space has also been revamped over the summer with a dedicated bar, which adds to The Bar space in the palazzo’s charming Red Room, replete with silk coverings lining the walls and an original fresco by Cesare Rotta framing the ceiling.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even for those in the North who didn’t care a damn for the four million held in brutal bondage, or those who wanted a soft, conciliatory approach, the war began to take on new and moral meaning.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is nothing subdued or conciliatory in its account of the brutal transfer of power which comes when a parent is failing and a child assumes command.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And many brands and stores are appeasing consumer preference for cotton products to carry them through the fall and winter months.
    Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Rivals and analysts suggest that Ellison has improved at managing profit and loss and appeasing superstar creative talent like Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron (arguably the two most important tasks in running a studio).
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The subject matter is a little near-and-dear to my heart as a TV critic.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Versace Medusa ’95 Satin Corset Top This, dear reader, is the exact Versace corset top that Swift sported not only while out and about with Travis Kelce but also during a surprise SNL appearance in October 2023.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sweeney stars as Penny Jo, a South Dakota diner waitress with an appealing smile, an ingratiating stammer, a scarf in her hair, and deep reserves of ruthless ambition.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Still, on a moment-to-moment basis, the film has tension, strong character dynamics and sharp individual portraits whose astringency gets alleviated by Gottsagen and James’ more ingratiating turns.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Rana forces herself to create a soothing, familial tone.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Office fans might find this generic workplace comedy soothing.
    Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cloud shadows caress the sandstone like a mother comforting a sleeping child.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Joan comforting and encouraging him later in the episode was nice.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disarming. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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