Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disconcert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disconcert are abash, discomfit, embarrass, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When is it sensible to use abash instead of disconcert?

The meanings of abash and disconcert largely overlap; however, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When can discomfit be used instead of disconcert?

The words discomfit and disconcert can be used in similar contexts, but discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When would embarrass be a good substitute for disconcert?

In some situations, the words embarrass and disconcert are roughly equivalent. However, embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

When might rattle be a better fit than disconcert?

Although the words rattle and disconcert have much in common, rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

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 disconcert Having all your workplace mistakes available for all to see on a state-run database would certainly be disconcerting to most of us, a violation of our rights of privacy. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025 Behind Hudson on the depth chart, however, the tackle depth chart is disconcerting. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025 The rapidly changing dynamics of Bastrop are disconcerting to a lot of locals who want to retain the small-town feel. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The release of Google's Veo 3 video generator in May represented a disconcerting leap in AI video quality. ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcert
Verb
  • We wouldn’t be embarrassed by it, nor would the audience.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What People Are Saying Maritime analysts have weighed in on the nature reserve declaration, with some linking it to the August 11 collision that embarrassed Beijing.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, God confuses the language and scatters everyone, thereby creating linguistic and cultural diversity.
    John Fugelsang September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • At one point, O’Steen was confused by a question, and the resulting back-and-forth was reminiscent of an Abbott and Costello repartee.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • McCarthy was having some trouble doing so to start this game, as the Bears’ defense, led by new coordinator Dennis Allen, was drawing up the right pressures to fluster the young signal caller.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But Brozena was not flustered, winning 16 and 18 to end the match.
    Boston Herald staff, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Some residents lamented the change that continues to rattle the historic Denver neighborhood, one that has already experienced generations of displacement.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
  • One moment, the Sound of Sleat is a sheet of silver under a pale sun; the next, wind drives rain sideways into the distillery’s courtyard, rattling the pagoda roof.
    Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcert. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disconcert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!