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Definition of disquietnext
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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

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
At the same time, the shrinking economy, new limits on internet access, blocks on popular messaging apps and concerns over state surveillance are adding to a wider sense of disquiet that is already starting to be reflected in polling data. Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 The work’s first movement captures a dreamlike quality, intersecting childlike wonder with an element of disquiet. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026
Verb
Her images of ice blocks, lush fabrics, cherries, sea animals, and charred hearts are disquieting in the best way and well worth trekking to Santa Monica to witness in person. Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026 The subjects say rending but also disquieting things about killing. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • With even the trial date itself in dispute and Gulf sovereign funds backing much of the equity amid regional turmoil, the Ellisons may have won the bidding war only to inherit a much costlier fight.
    Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The waltz seemed to leave his heart in turmoil without lifting his spirits.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The elephant deaths and disputes about the cause have intensified concerns over growing human-wildlife conflict in the region due to expanding agricultural activities near Amboseli park.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For some observers, the public nature of the event raised concerns.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Japan is alarmed by the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific Ocean.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Among those alarmed by the state’s mounting repression are civil-society figures who have staunchly opposed the war with America and Israel.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Xenophobic unrest in South Africa, where violent mobs have forced thousands of African foreigners to flee the country, has thrust migration into the spotlight.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This led to civil unrest and paved the way for new leadership.
    Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Leaders in Springfield say the growing ICE presence many fear hasn’t yet materialized.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, heading off to senior year wearing a Care Bears backpack could be a coping mechanism that helps teens deal with fears about the future.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Survivors have expressed frustration and worry over growing support for the possession of nuclear weapons for deterrence by the international community, including Japan.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But the nanny never worried the Massachusetts mother might be a danger to her children or to herself.
    Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Such talk seemed fanciful until this week, despite long-term unease with Infantino’s style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects.
    Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson, playing Tom’s own version of that unease a few beats earlier, needed only the smallest gesture to register it.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Validate their emotions by acknowledging any anxieties and feelings as normal.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Poor sleep in teens is tied to anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, weaker peer support and trouble getting through the school day.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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