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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 Research has found that closures disrupt students’ academic progress, while generating little short-term savings for districts. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 The purchase came on the heels of a fire and just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which disrupted operations, court records show. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 For researchers, that would reduce the risk of another funding cutoff disrupting their work while the broader legal battle continues. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 A change at home could disrupt your sense of ease today. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 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
  • Coach Marcus Freeman broke the Notre Dame record for consecutive double-digit victories, exceeding the 12 by Knute Rockne from 1921-22.
    — Curt Rallo, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Wake Forest nearly overcame a holding penalty that set up third and 24 when Lopez completed a pass to Hernandez, who weaved and broke his way through the defense for a 21-yard gain.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • Both areas are fenced and protected, and NOAA Fisheries urged beachgoers not to disturb these sites.
    — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combs has both utilized and weaponized his fortune, industry status, and reputation to hide a volatile temper and disturbing behavior for decades.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • Rampant inflation, the collapse of insurance payments, and the government’s inability to sell oil and obtain the foreign currency needed to repay pharmacies have fractured the supply chain.
    — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The document, which was highly classified and written in Arabic, suggested that Hamas was planning to exploit the hostage families’ protests to fracture Israeli society.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • But the decision left many in the football community confused, with an online petition started by alumnus Tim Hanrahan garnering more than 3,000 signatures.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • This is where things get messy, and many folks — oligarchs in particular — become invested in keeping the general voter confused.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Just this man, essentially destroying himself while his friend watched.
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The European Union’s ban on destroying unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear began applying to large companies July 19.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of destroy
Verb
  • The video, made in collaboration with faceless director Lauzza, features buildings shuffling on beat and other excerpts of British culture.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Senate Leadership Fund, the main GOP Senate super PAC, also shuffled some of its reservations, removing $900,000 in broadcast buys in the state while adding $400,000 in digital ads.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Verb
  • Between announcements, conversations, engine noise, and everything else happening around you, reducing these additional sounds can make a long travel day much more comfortable.
    — Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, a 2025 study found that 28 percent of people with telogen effluvium had reduced ferritin levels, while no one in the control group had a deficiency.
    — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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