disrupt

verb

dis-ˈrəpt How to pronounce disrupt (audio)
Definition of disruptnext
1
as in to break
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly an earthquake that had disrupted the elevated highway in several places

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disturb
to undo the proper order or arrangement of the arrival of a baby in the household would totally disrupt their established routine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disrupt For younger survivors, breast cancer treatments could induce menopause by temporarily or permanently disrupting ovarian function. — Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Fuel has also become scarce as power outages disabled gas stations and quake damage disrupted deliveries from other regions. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Whenever the visiting side tried to get something going, KC disrupted the attack and pulled the defense apart with quick passes in possession and transition. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Two Iranians told The New York Times the strike was designed to show how much further global shipping and energy supplies could be disrupted. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disrupt
  1. break
  2. disturb
  3. fracture
  4. confuse
  5. destroy
  6. shuffle
  7. reduce
  8. disorganize
Verb
  • These questions – not to mention the loss of former coach Mike McDaniel, who’s run scheme in 2025 was nothing short of wizardry – could potentially make or break the Dolphins.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Paramount’s stock dropped more than 3% after news of the court filing broke Friday.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • Out of competition The world of elite sports is taken to disturbing new heights full of brutality and painful ambition in the new film from Nikias Chryssos (The Bunker, Rave On, A Pure Place).
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • When walking down the charming Main Street, you won't be disturbed by honking or traffic since the island has banned cars since 1898.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • Lynch confirmed an initial report by ESPN that Shanahan fractured his nose, a hand and three ribs, while requiring over 40 stitches to his face and sustaining a severe concussion.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • Conventional wisdom predicts a more crowded could fracture the anti-incumbent vote among the challengers.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • Still, don’t confuse harmony with everyone silently knowing the plan.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • Large-scale solar farms cause habitat loss, fragment ecosystems, and confuse wildlife with reflective panels, while concentrated solar can vaporize birds.
    — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Spider-Man teams up with Jon Bernthal’s Punisher to take down the green giant and stop the him from destroying the Damage Control skyscraper entirely.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • An official for Green Diamond Resources similarly said her company has no intention of destroying the bird’s habitat.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of destroy
Verb
  • Since 2021, he and his former financing company Creative Wealth Media, which declared bankruptcy in 2023, have been named in at least four lawsuit accusing him of shuffling investments around various entities to repay outstanding loans.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Giants manager Tony Vitello went another way, shuffling a few papers before heading up the tunnel to the home clubhouse.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of shuffle
Verb
  • During his time in office, Tarwater has been vocal about reducing government spending and pushing back on new government programs.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Chris Baumann, the SEIU Workers United South Region director, said improving conditions is a crucial part of improving passenger safety and reducing employee turnover.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Reese finished with 12 rebounds, but Thornton made her work for every touch near the basket, consistently positioning herself to contest without fouling and keeping Atlanta’s interior offense disorganized throughout the first three quarters.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Atlanta doesn’t have a true point guard at the moment in its post-Trae Young incarnation, and the second units in particular could look disorganized.
    — The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Definition of disorganize

Browse Nearby Words

disrobing
disrupt
disrupted
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Cite this Entry

“Disrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disrupt. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of disrupt for Spanish Speakers

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