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distemper 1 of 2

noun

Definition of distempernext
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning contracted some tropical distemper while he was doing research in the jungles of Borneo

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

distemper

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈtem-pər How to pronounce distemper (audio)
as in to alarm
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy despite his career success, he has been distempered by nagging feelings of inadequacy his whole life

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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 distemper
Noun
According to the shelter, staff had already been monitoring for signs of distemper due to cases reported in surrounding counties. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Per Cook County ordinance, dog owners also must submit their dogs' vaccine records — with proof of their dogs' vaccines or titers (antibodies) for rabies, distemper (CFV), hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus-2), parainfluenza (CPIV), parvovirus (CPV), leptospirosis, and Bordetella (kennel cough). — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
Mother had purchased a new bed and armoire for his room, and the walls were freshly distempered. — Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distemper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distemper
  1. disease
  2. alarm
  3. illness
  4. disturb
  5. ailment
  6. distress
  7. ill
  8. bother
Noun
  • Scientists see a troubling trend but are still investigating how the disease develops.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The report said there was no evidence of a fatal injury or organic disease, though investigators could not determine how Wells suffered the bruise.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of disease
Verb
  • But the Treasury market’s rapid deterioration is now alarming those who previously downplayed the risks.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The constant delay-of-game calls, false starts and inability to get lined up are a special level of alarming for a quarterback who entered the NFL 10 years ago.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of alarm
Noun
  • On Friday, the pope strongly reiterated the Church's pro-life teachings, criticizing initiatives to allow assisted dying for those who have incurable illnesses.
    — Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Hair loss in women can be caused by many things, including your genetics, illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, physiological stress and shifts in hormones.
    — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of illness
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
Noun
  • In determining whether to reimburse treatment for such ailments, insurers turn to Food and Drug Administration labels and expert guidelines.
    — Arthur Allen, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Eleven gullible idiots were talked into acquitting because of an imaginary female ailment.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of ailment
Verb
  • Zara Larsson packed five looks into 24 hours in New York, with enough platforms, strappy sandals and distressed denim to outfit a few nights out in the 2000s.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The club were accused of using aggressive communications in outlining the possible sanctions, which left some fans distressed at the prospect of losing their seat.
    — Ben Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of distress
Noun
  • In this framework, the cure for the party’s ills can only come from inside the party, not from any external force.
    — ANDREW MERTHA, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Football cannot be expected to answer societal ills, but this is the sort of area in which the club’s foundation does its invaluable outreach work, a place touched by those statistics about deprivation and crime.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of ill
Verb
  • Tanner Faaborg said he was also bothered by the reshaping of rural Iowa by industrial animal agriculture.
    — Rachel Cramer, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Before turning it into a judgment about your abilities, notice what specifically bothered you.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of bother

Browse Nearby Words

distastes
distemper
distemperature
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Cite this Entry

“Distemper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distemper. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distemper

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distemper

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