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

The abruptness is disconcerting but can be overcome by learning the pedal’s nuances. — James Raia, Mercury News, 1 May 2026 That is really, really, really disconcerting. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 May 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

Neither party acted on it; Republicans wanted to avoid embarrassing Trump, while Democrats wanted to avoid embarrassing Nancy Pelosi, whose husband is an active trader.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
The Rams are coming off an embarrassing 27-7 defeat by the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassing

Verb

The board’s real contribution is to prevent the organization from confusing speed with progress, automation with accountability or intelligence with wisdom.

— David Ribott, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Here, misfits are welcome, and bric-a-brac is part of the appeal; the wonderfully bizarre name and devil-may-care attitude have been confusing (and delighting) first-timers for more than 70 years.

— Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of confusing

Adjective

The home was also searched thoroughly, but given the time period and social norms, officers felt uncomfortable going through a woman’s belongings.

— Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Setting aside extraneously ornate and potentially uncomfortable earrings was par for the course, right?

— Julia Hobbs, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncomfortable

Verb

There’s a passage in the final movement when the full orchestra, reinforced by trumpets, trombones, tuba, and a thunder roll of timpani, clamber up to a teeth-rattling fortissimo.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
During the Thursday vigil, friends and family of the deceased narrowly dodged a vehicle involved in a high-speed police chase, further rattling residents and drawing criticism of Milwaukee police.

— April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of rattling

Adjective

At least the latter gives you something to do with yourself during the awkward time that was really just meant for wedding party photo opportunities with no thought of the inconvenience to the guests.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
Continue reading … -- POLITICS TELLING SILENCE — Socialist mayor's awkward response scrutinized after police chief's nervous glances.

— , FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of awkward

Verb

There’s a story there, a complicated and disturbing one, but the new Netflix film Unabomber won’t be the one to give it to us.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Combs has both utilized and weaponized his fortune, industry status, and reputation to hide a volatile temper and disturbing behavior for decades.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

For people without underlying risk factors, COVID infections are not outright dangerous but remain deeply unpleasant, Guest and Chin-Hong say.

— Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026
Over time, the dog may start to associate the unpleasant noise with the barking and stop.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of unpleasant

Adjective

The outbreak is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
And widespread adoption by farmers is challenging because perennial crops don’t yield as much, harvesting can be difficult and the market still is developing.

— Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of difficult

Browse Nearby Words

disconcerted

disconcerting

disconcertment

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“Disconcerting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcerting. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of disconcerting

adjective

verb

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