disquiet 1 of 2

Definition of disquietnext
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
But for outside observers and former military officials, those calls and conversations are an indication of a troubling disquiet within the ranks. Tom Bowman, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026 Curbs on free speech only add to the disquiet. Charlie Campbell, Time, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
To say that Nicholas did not share his father’s politics is an understatement, but much of his bibliography can be seen as a reckoning with his father’s unsettling career in politics and disquieting legacy. Literary Hub, 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
  • Threats have always been a part of United States history, often manifesting in times of political turmoil or cultural tension.
    Rund Abdelfatah, NPR, 11 June 2026
  • The region's economic disparity is one of the forces that led to turmoil that culminated in attacks by a small number of extremists among the Uyghurs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • After years of planning, anticipation, hype and a growing concern over high ticket prices and immigration restrictions, the largest World Cup in history kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City and will run through July 19 across 16 cities in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • The document also noted additional concerns.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • This poor girl no longer has an identity beyond pleasing her male companion, who becomes both stifled by alarmed by this sudden, non-consensual change in personality.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • The closures shrink the countywide advanced voting location network from 18 to 12 voting sites — alarming some Johnson County and city officials and the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The Next Generation Action Network, a social justice group supporting Anthony, has compared him to Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen acquitted of all charges in 2021 for killing two people during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Police, familiar with unrest in the city, were on standby with cordons of armored cars, which were quickly pelted with projectiles by the rioters.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Israel launched airstrikes on central and western Iran after Tehran fired missiles at Israel, jolting major cities with explosions and raising fears the region is sliding back toward all-out war.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Mexican authorities have previously expressed fears they could be used as weapons by rowdy fans.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Helen worried about Pip’s socialization.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The results will ease the concerns of some Democrats who worried about the possibility of a runoff between Kiley and Republican candidate Michael Stansfield, who was in second place until Friday.
    Mathew Miranda June 9, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • As terror has struck other cities around the world in recent months our shock and anger have been mixed with a growing sense of unease.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
  • Its deeper unease is that these systems are connected to one another.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The Tonys are a place to put on a brave face, but will the anxiety creep in?
    Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • Acting as both tour guide and impromptu airplane anxiety therapist is all part of the job for Swanstrom.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disquiet

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster