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 But the drought is still hitting home with record-low water levels on the Danube River disrupting grain transport, causing chronically congested terminals and an increasing pileup of crops with nowhere to go. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 While there are signs that diplomatic efforts toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing, the over five-month-old war continues to disrupt energy flows. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 Having a data center could also disrupt the historic feel of Waxhaw, said James Withrow. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2026 The Cyber Effects means a private company in the program could manipulate, disrupt, degrade, and even destroy IT systems, including industrial control systems, in an effort to stop hackers. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 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
  • De Lutiis scored himself in the 58th, backing up in support at the perfect time after an Australian attacking raid that started with flyhalf Carter Gordon breaking the defensive line and running 30 meters toward the right corner flag.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The ship may break a record for the longest trip away from its home port for a US carrier since the Vietnam War.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • Sulfur-rich gases reaching the upper atmosphere could reflect sunlight and temporarily cool the climate, disturbing rainfall and reducing harvests worldwide.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Some people think putting more and more effects is the best way to express ourselves for the audience, and some filmmakers just want to keep the balance without disturbing the original movie.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • The ‘seven-year jinx’ — the K-pop industry’s shorthand for the contract expiration point at which groups typically fracture — did not claim TWICE on schedule, but in a way, has just claimed its first member now.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In that incident, Gay used a chain wrapped around his hand to fracture the skull of the teen, court records show.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Vendors said enforcement sweeps that began earlier this year have threatened their livelihoods, with authorities confiscating vending equipment and, in some cases, destroying it.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • One of those, the USS Gerald R Ford, also reported problems earlier this year, from toilets that weren’t working to a laundry fire that briefly stopped combat operations and destroyed some sleeping quarters.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of destroy
Verb
  • Because tokenized stocks exist alongside stablecoins and other digital assets on the same network, investors can move money between spending, saving, and investing without shuffling it across separate institutions.
    — Malana VanTyler, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Lyman and her family stood to leave, and although none of them spoke, the sound of more than 30 mourners shuffling out of a quiet room was enough to halt the court proceedings for a moment.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Verb
  • Studies show that drinking more fluid—preferably water—can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The White Worm, who styled herself as a peacetime consigliere, is reduced to obsolescence by the promise of all-out war.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of disrupt for Spanish Speakers

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