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 The uptick in closures is particularly disconcerting given that the Irish whiskey industry had been booming as recently as two years ago. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025 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 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
  • The minor student created memes and posted them on the Instagram account to embarrass and make fun of the students.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That behavior is embarrassing anywhere, and goes against all of golf etiquette.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Crotz was initially confused as to why Kjartan had closed himself inside.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • CarShield has received positive comments for its breadth of coverage and quick response times, although some policyholders have complained about claim denials, fine-print surprises and confusing sales practices.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From the second possession onward, the Chiefs’ defense flustered Lamar Jackson, generating two turnovers for the second straight matchup.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
  • At least several players appeared flustered, with Golden and wideout Dontayvion Wicks seemingly throwing up their hands in confusion.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Scott Wartman For years, the windows of homes along the Mill Creek in Cincinnati would occasionally rattle with the sound of explosions.
    Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Still, the sight of her phone slipping from 15% to 8% left her rattled.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcert. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disconcert

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