Definition of discomposenext
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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
  • He was also disturbed by the 2016 murder of Labour parliamentarian Jo Cox by a far-right figure associated with neo-Nazi groups who had been radicalized online.
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
  • But then Detective Nathanial Saint shows up carrying disturbing news and an even more unexpected jolt of creativity.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Both sides say the strike will disrupt hospital operations.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The United States on June 25 launched a new satellite expected to significantly improve forecasts of solar flares and coronal mass ejections — huge plasma bubbles that can crash into Earth, disrupting power grids and communications.
    Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Zamiri doesn’t really bother filming fans rushing Charli’s car or whatever—this has been the quintessential mock-pop-doc scene since A Hard Day’s Night but these days the fans rush you online.
    Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Aquarius' biggest struggle in 2026 Don’t bother trying to control the outcome.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The sheer bulk of the suit might confuse the human eye from a distance, but in large open spaces, like snowfields, anything that looks a little odd will stand out.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Many people confuse the center with Crossroads Church or Crossroad Health Center, Pelicano said.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In Oklahoma, House Bill 1597 states that staying within 25 feet of law enforcement, correctional, probation, parole, or EMS personnel with the intent to harass, interfere, or distract them while conducting their duties can be considered a misdemeanor if an initial warning is ignored.
    Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 30 Jan. 2026
  • This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The downstairs staffs of the richest and noblest families start to shuffle around so chaotically that even Lady Whistledown takes notice of in her column.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The videos showed Chicago kissing and hugging a sable-furred puppy in the family's living room while Psalm shuffled around on his hands and knees trying to chase one of the dark-haired dogs around the room.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Alinejad views her mission as exposing the situation in Iran and giving voice to victims, but worries the attempts on her life will create a fear of inviting her to speak.
    Katrina Kaufman, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Lindsay Koshgarian, the program director of the National Priorities Project who has been tracking deployment costs, worries that at some point, these expenses will affect funding for other important military priorities.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Their habitats were ransacked, their migration routes disarranged, truncated, cut off.
    Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Discompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discompose. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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