DISCONCERTING Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

disconcerting 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of disconcerting

as in embarrassing

causing embarrassment a disconcerting habit of chewing with his mouth open

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disconcerting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of disconcert

as in confusing

to throw into a state of self-conscious distress we were disconcerted by the unexpected changes to the program

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disconcerting

Adjective

Like Biden, in this cycle Lula found that a disconcerting number of his compatriots were unmoved by his calls to save democracy from those who would seek to undermine it—or didn’t buy into his rhetoric in the first place. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026 One highlight for me was my session with an energy healer named Djik Dewa, who balances out the body’s chakras with gentle massage, chanting, and deep eye contact—a disconcerting but powerful experience. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

Verb

This imbalance is perhaps not expressly disconcerting much of the time. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 There was also some disconcerting history to consider. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disconcerting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcerting

Adjective

Why should a menstrual stain be so embarrassing in the first place?

— Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
Nobody needed a little two-stroke street bike that could spend its afternoon embarrassing motorcycles twice its size, either.

— Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of embarrassing

Verb

The decision to pursue short-term Band-Aid measures for a weak labor market and foreign trade tensions is confusing at first pass.

— Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
Trump and his officials also offered confusing messages as to why Starshield — which Ukraine uses for drone strikes and air defense — had been throttled.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of confusing

Adjective

Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Jameson is an adult film actress, and Gronkowski put his head in his hands, appearing uncomfortable as Koutouvides started telling the story.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of uncomfortable

Verb

One aerial fight is a dazzler with long takes of planes swooping through the clouds accompanied by the teeth-rattling clatter of lightning bolts that crash against your ears like metal trashcan lids.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
The rise of Starlink has put pressure on legacy broadband providers like Charter and Comcast, with the new report about Boost Mobile also rattling wireless carriers.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of rattling

Adjective

Mallen Kupferer, the daughter of two theater artists and an actor since early childhood, is a wonder to watch, her performance as authentic and awkward as any teenager.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
The route passes through neighborhoods including NoDa and Plaza Midwood, offering lively pockets of support but also quieter stretches, awkward turns and hills that can feel particularly unforgiving late in the race.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of awkward

Verb

The end result has given rise to an insidious and often disturbing form of violence that wins victims’ trust before preying upon them or coercing them into hurting others – for money, for social media clout or sometimes for no reason at all.

— Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
The new developments have been singled out for loud noise, polluting power generation, and for disturbing residential neighborhoods and natural landscapes.

— Shannon Osaka, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

George is being extremely unpleasant toward everyone and seems to be moving toward a breakdown.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
Consumers across the country have described to CBS California Investigates, and in hundreds of online reviews, their unpleasant experiences at the stores, alleging they were pressured to make purchases worth thousands of dollars.

— Amy Corral, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpleasant

Adjective

The pilot must compensate manually using the controller, which can be difficult if the aircraft is far away or difficult to see.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
The chocolatey all-suede style was first released in October 2023 and has become increasingly difficult to track down over the years, with certain sizes commanding premium prices on the secondary market.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of difficult

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disconcerted

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“Disconcerting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcerting. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of disconcerting

adjective

verb

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