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 Congress’s infatuation with China was disconcerting, along with the lack of understanding of how economically intertwined the US and China are. Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 That was disconcerting, especially knowing that the ground beneath beds mulched with natural wood chips is always teaming with soil life. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025 The lack of transparency is disconcerting, especially from a nonprofit public media group that is constantly having fundraising drives and imploring its audience to give money. Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 In contrast, and a disconcerting issue with today’s generative AI and LLMs, is that the latest AI tends to work on a non-deterministic basis. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcert
Verb
  • And best of all, no one could possibly be embarrassed by these empathetic words.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • Mavericks 4-2 over Heat (2011): Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs absolutely embarrassed the Heatles.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.
    Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • This means they are not flustered by travel and seem to flourish no matter the surface or circumstances.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • For years, he has been flustered by the contact an Alex Caruso or OG Anunoby can get away with in the post, relative to someone like Karl-Anthony Towns.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The incident shook windows and rattled dishes, according to local media reports.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 June 2025
  • With his country having killed some of Iran’s top military commanders and rattled its leadership, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government’s aerial assault on Iran could trigger the collapse of the regime, opening the door to a popular uprising.
    Dan De Luce, NBC news, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcert. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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