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disquiet

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disquiet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disquiet are agitate, discompose, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

In what contexts can agitate take the place of disquiet?

While the synonyms agitate and disquiet are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When might discompose be a better fit than disquiet?

Although the words discompose and disquiet have much in common, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When is disturb a more appropriate choice than disquiet?

The words disturb and disquiet can be used in similar contexts, but disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to disquiet?

The meanings of fluster and disquiet largely overlap; however, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disquiet?

The synonyms perturb and disquiet are sometimes interchangeable, but perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When can upset be used instead of disquiet?

The words upset and disquiet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

How does the verb disquiet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disquiet are agitate, discompose, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

In what contexts can agitate take the place of disquiet?

While the synonyms agitate and disquiet are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When might discompose be a better fit than disquiet?

Although the words discompose and disquiet have much in common, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When is disturb a more appropriate choice than disquiet?

The words disturb and disquiet can be used in similar contexts, but disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to disquiet?

The meanings of fluster and disquiet largely overlap; however, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disquiet?

The synonyms perturb and disquiet are sometimes interchangeable, but perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When can upset be used instead of disquiet?

The words upset and disquiet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 disquiet
Noun
The operations have created a culture of disquiet that has chilled New Orleans’ usually vibrant atmosphere, according to politicians, activists and business owners. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025 Additionally, her former schoolmate, who is now an activist nun, brings disquiet to the community when she is stranded there while returning the remains of a former nun, a murder victim. The Know, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025
Verb
The combination of quavering flutes and solemn, unfamiliar corridors is disquieting. Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025 As a consequence, the president has given fresh impetus to a story that has disquieted even parts of his base. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • Over the past year, the Justice Department has been in turmoil, with new leaders essentially gutting the public integrity and tax units and disbanding a task force designed to fight international corruption.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly praised Rodríguez’s cooperation with the United States and described her government as a partner in restoring order to the country after years of economic collapse and political turmoil.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Accessibility With ramps down to the entrance, two elevators serving all floors, and wide corridors, this hotel is easily traversable for those in wheelchairs or with mobility concerns.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The letter also raised concerns about foreign investment in Paramount’s offer, noting that the deal included potential financing from Chinese company Tencent Holdings, which had previously withdrawn funding due to national security review concerns.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The statistics should alarm anyone concerned about American AI leadership.
    Eric Schmidt, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Those conflicts, however, did not initially appear serious enough to alarm adults around them.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Back then, neither of us could have foreseen the pandemic, Georgia’s growing political unrest, a war in neighboring Ukraine, or the collapse of several multi-brand retailers, which altogether has slowed down progress for Situationist and Georgian fashion more broadly.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Cruise lines may adjust itineraries due to security concerns, such as military action or civil unrest, along with other reasons like severe weather.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Israeli strikes on Iranian oil fields and Iranian drone attacks elsewhere have forced production to slow or halt, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed over fear of vessels being targeted by Tehran.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Traders amped up bets on European Central Bank and Bank of England interest-rate hikes after soaring energy prices fueled fears inflation will surge.
    James Hirai, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For the first time, there appears to be a commitment that Foxboro will incur no cost and will not have to worry about reimbursement processes.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Don’t worry—there’s something for every type of traveler.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Other groups, including the Minnesota Catholic Conference, expressed similar unease.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • General symptoms experienced by people with this condition include disrupted sleep, dysphoria (a state of unease or unhappiness) and difficulty managing stress.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Still, the broader bond rout reflects anxiety about the global economy after crude oil surged toward $120 a barrel, up almost 80% since the Iran war began and disrupted shipments from the Middle East.
    Marcus Wong, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.
    Karen Garcia, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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