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 Other aspects were more disconcerting, implying that the Administration would have a role in overseeing firm affairs. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2025 There was a disconcerting shift at the end of Gary Neville’s bombshell interview with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The young actor has a disconcerting awareness of the roiling potential of his changing body. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 The first 10 minutes of USC’s NCAA tournament debut had been disconcerting enough already. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcert
Verb
  • Mariah Carey just pulled a classic mom move by embarrassing her teenage son in front of his friends.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The leaking was intended to embarrass Bork, whose nomination was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate albeit for reasons unrelated to his rental list.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • No one was going to confuse Colossal with the Sierra Club.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Let go of a common misconception Some parents worry that teaching their child multiple languages will set them back or confuse them.
    Julia Furlan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Max Fried doesn’t get flustered.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the world’s best players left flustered by Pete and Alice Dye’s grand examination.
    Justin Ray, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Read More: Detentions of Tourists and Visa-Holders Fuel Anxiety About Travel to U.S. Neighbors said they were left rattled by the arrest, which played out at 5:30 p.m. on a residential block.
    JAKE OFFENHARTZ, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Shifting government policies are adversely impacting business, rattling financial markets, and disrupting supply chains.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcert. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disconcert

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