disquiet 1 of 2

1
2

disquiet

2 of 2

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

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 Battle Royale lingered, as did a general sense of disquiet. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 Of the clubs still waiting to do some proper business, Silva’s disquiet at Fulham is among the most legitimate — and is the one that could have the biggest consequences, given his contract expires next summer, like Glasner’s at Palace. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
Vessel’s lyrics seem disquieted by the attention, though. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 One of Biden’s challenges is that some of the Black men who are paying close attention in Macon are deeply disquieted by the influx of migrants at the U.S.’s southern border and the amount of money that his administration has committed to stopping Russia’s war in Ukraine. Maeve Reston, Washington Post, 30 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • The Treasury secretary announced a lifeline Thursday that’s designed to pull the country’s financial markets out of deepening turmoil, and a close political ally out of a hole.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The coins reflect a time of turmoil Archaeologists have confirmed that the coins mainly date to the 12th century.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brewers under pressure to create pressure For Dodgers officials, a primary concern in facing the Brewers revolved around Milwaukee’s speed.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • If squirrels are a concern, attach wire mesh over top of the container.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Russia’s war economy has reached a staggering scale that should alarm every European leader.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Japan was alarmed enough by the 2010 embargo — quietly lifted as Sino-Japanese relations improved — to launch a crash recycling program to reduce its China risk.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But elections could act as a lightning rod for frustration over political repression to tip over into unrest.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Lecornu appeared to have negotiated a safeguard against further political unrest.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The interlocking deals also have boosted fears of a bubble in AI spending, particularly as many of these partnerships involve OpenAI, a fast-growing but unprofitable business.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Sometimes, a long pause in stalking behavior is a tactic designed to create more fear by allowing the victim to drop their guard before restarting the behavior, said Aims Babich, director of survivor services at SafeHouse Denver, an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Don’t worry, all items are incredibly versatile, like sleek sneakers, cozy cardigans, and matching sets—plus, prices start at a budget-friendly $12.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Another part worried that the flavor of my favorite childhood dish would taste too much like comfort—and comfort, right now, feels like betrayal as so many Palestinians in Gaza go hungry.
    Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hints of unease momentarily heightened as the Spartans — deliberate and layered — went to work.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Insurance executives told the FT that the industry lacks the capacity to handle the kind of systemic, large-scale losses AI models could trigger, reflecting the sector’s broader unease about underwriting the unprecedented risks posed by generative AI providers.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The nation’s third shutdown in 12 years has again raised anxiety levels among service members and their families as those in uniform are working without pay.
    Fortune, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • In the book, she's portrayed as someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and on anxiety medication, both of which are used to discredit her and paint her as unwell.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disquiet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!