disruption

noun

dis-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce disruption (audio)
Definition of disruptionnext
as in disturbance
an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed the flat tire resulted in an unfortunate disruption of the schedule for our road trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 disruption The sudden nature of the latest weather disruption means officials will be scrambling to tell voters where to cast their ballots on Tuesday if new polling places are deemed necessary. — Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026 Those disruptions have lengthened voyages and driven up tanker costs. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Millions cast their ballots with relatively minor disruptions, as early turnout surpassed that of recent midterms. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026 Some experts said hoax bomb threats could be part of a similar pattern of low-cost, deniable disruption efforts. — Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disruption
  1. disturbance
  2. dislocation
Noun
  • Gary Griggs, a geologist at UC Santa Cruz, said the elevated water levels are linked to El Niño conditions and ocean disturbances known as Kelvin waves.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Sleep disturbances are common in depression, and night owls (who tend to get less sleep than early birds) are likely to have more and worse depressive symptoms.
    — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • The firm reiterated its buy-rating on the stock Wednesday, calling the dislocation a buying opportunity.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • His ankle got caught beneath and twisted at a gruesome angle, and Thornton was carted off the field and diagnosed with a dislocation, effectively ending his season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of dislocation

Browse Nearby Words

disrupting
disruption
disruptions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disruption. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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