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

There was also some disconcerting history to consider. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2026 There’s a lot of disconcerting news about AI in journalism lately. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disconcerting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcerting

Adjective

These demands can become expensive, stressful, or embarrassing for victims, who, in desperation, turn to the internet for help.

— Kim Key, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
With 10 days to prepare, Schottenheimer’s Cowboys played an embarrassing first half en route to a 23-13 loss on Sunday night at Green Bay.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassing

Adjective

Pryor taught me that comedy can be dangerous, uncomfortable, and still bring down the house.

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2026
Speaking from experience, the right footwear can transform an uncomfortable ensemble into something actually functional, warm, and totally worth wearing.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncomfortable

Verb

Sound quality is also good, with ultra-deep bass rattling your brain on songs that feature it.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
The production is a rattling junk drawer of circuit-bent thrift-store keyboards, dusty drum machines, and unintuitive loops, and KTO combines them into head-scratching, shouldn’t-work grooves.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of rattling

Adjective

Trump’s local appearances might present an awkward situation for some candidates who have sought to distance themselves from the president.

— Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
In Sam’s case, his roaring egotism is somewhat awkward because he’s also obsessed with the idea of being altruistic.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of awkward

Verb

For example, in the 20th century there was a flawed world leader who held rigid ideologies, racial biases, and disturbing personal behaviors.

— Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026
Her go-to is the Diolsty Vibrating Alarm Wristband, which vibrates discreetly to alert you without disturbing the people around you.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 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

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

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disconcerted

disconcerting

disconcertment

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Style

“Disconcerting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcerting. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of disconcerting

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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