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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
However, Mars enters Cancer on August 11, which could lead to more domestic disquiet than usual, and Venus will run into an opposition with Saturn on August 21, which brings an interpersonal matter to a head. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 On May 1, 1775, the day the Quebec Act took effect, the life-size marble statue of George III in Montréal – erected in gratitude for his assistance following a fire – was vandalized, indicating disquiet there about this new order. Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Verb
The impersonations were disquieting. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • And even though the book is rife with grief, loss and inner turmoil, there are plenty of laughs in store too, especially for anyone who’s felt like a fish out of water themselves.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Amid the turmoil, Ortiz lost custody of her daughter in 2024.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Plan for the content of the meeting, including the objections, concerns and reservations people may bring.
    Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Sure, Mahomes did enough Monday night to dispel any concerns about a drop-off in his game.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The constant delay-of-game calls, false starts and inability to get lined up are a special level of alarming for a quarterback who entered the NFL 10 years ago.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Americans appear increasingly alarmed by the technology,with 7 in 10 polled in March opposing local construction of data centers that power AI technology, according to a Gallup survey.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The 2022 uprising was itself part of a longer cycle of unrest.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The Gambia banned protests without permits following days of unrest over persistent electricity blackouts.
    Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lawrence has widened his aim to the entire AI industry, calling for a pause on AI development in the wake of fears from some at the companies that the technology could eliminate humanity.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Feldstein’s arrest was kept under a sweeping gag order, for fear that disclosing it would compromise Israeli intelligence, but the Haaretz reporter Bar Peleg soon learned of it.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • According to new Gallup polling, 27% of US workers worry that technology will render their jobs obsolete, a new high.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • New blood tests that might predict Alzheimer’s years before symptoms begin may sound tantalizing for people who worry about later-in-life dementia.
    Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This is another thing that’s clearly added to the unease within the industry.
    Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026
  • But not everyone reads the appointment as reassuring, as the leadership reshuffle has come amid growing unease over the central bank's autonomy.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Plus, the recent detention of several Haitian pastors by immigration authorities is fueling even more anxiety among congregants.
    Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Given the characters’ extreme situation, black humor also feels natural—a way of protecting themselves from anxiety and fear.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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