Definition of discomposenext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discompose contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discompose are agitate, disquiet, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," 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 would agitate be a good substitute for discompose?

Although the words agitate and discompose have much in common, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When can disquiet be used instead of discompose?

The synonyms disquiet and discompose are sometimes interchangeable, but disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

Where would disturb be a reasonable alternative to discompose?

The words disturb and discompose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

When could fluster be used to replace discompose?

In some situations, the words fluster and discompose are roughly equivalent. However, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

In what contexts can perturb take the place of discompose?

While in some cases nearly identical to discompose, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When is upset a more appropriate choice than discompose?

The words upset and discompose can be used in similar contexts, but 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 discompose In a third discomposing show of baseball in as many days, the Brewers fell, 8-6, to the lowly A's, who looked like anything but in an emphatic weekend-long dismantling of a team that entered in first place. Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discompose
Verb
  • Burke’s friends and acquaintances who spoke with Rolling Stone were similarly disturbed.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • China’s introduction of a common buying agency has disturbed what has been an evenly balanced relationship which has sometimes favored one side over the other, but which eventually finds equilibrium.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Bondele was among hundreds of Ebola response workers in Bunia who staged strikes and protests over unpaid wages in recent weeks, at times abandoning health facilities and disrupting parts of the response as the outbreak continued to spread.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And maybe some Gen Zers are undersocialized and under-prepared after their education was disrupted by a global pandemic.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • My summer dresses will sadly be retired in the coming weeks, but a denim midi skirt is the ideal swap on days when I can’t be bothered to wear jeans.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • While acknowledging a desire for the honor, Overeem states he's not overly bothered, having faced similar situations throughout his long career.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • It’s labeled in their inventory so it’s not confused for an original, but adds their own touch to their trove.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Physicians are alarmed, stressing that FDA licensing is crucial for guiding patients, as this decision risks confusing consumers about regulated versus unregulated treatments.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nathan, already distracted, gets paranoid that Coop and Joe are laughing at him.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Aria Bendix, health reporter Read All About It An armed bystander distracted a gunman who opened fire at an Idaho In-N-Out Burger.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The results indicated continued progress in CVS' broader turnaround plan, which has involved cutting $2 billion in costs, closing underperforming stores, shuffling leadership and reducing costs within Medicare Advantage plans.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Few heads turn despite her tall, unmistakable frame shuffling across the floor.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Survivors have expressed frustration and worry over growing support for the possession of nuclear weapons for deterrence by the international community, including Japan.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But the nanny never worried the Massachusetts mother might be a danger to her children or to herself.
    Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Their habitats were ransacked, their migration routes disarranged, truncated, cut off.
    Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discompose. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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