distraught

adjective

di-ˈstrȯt How to pronounce distraught (audio)
Definition of distraughtnext
as in agitated
feeling overwhelming fear or worry distraught relatives waiting to learn whether there were any survivors of the plane crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 distraught Her son was too distraught to speak on Sunday. — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 Caitlin Clark appeared emotionally distraught during a postgame news conference after the Indiana Fever's 113-96 loss to the Atlanta Dream and archrival Angel Reese. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 Other neighbors are similarly distraught, even making a WhatsApp group chat for emergency updates from officials. — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 But the most heartbreaking scenes are of Bonnie, who is distraught and tearful after receiving hurtful messages online. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraught
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distraught
  1. agitated
  2. worried
  3. frightened
  4. frantic
  5. scared
  6. terrified
  7. upset
Adjective
  • This friend has become a doomscroller and is very agitated with the political scene.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • People with heat stroke can feel confused, unable to speak properly and agitated.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026
Definition of agitated
Adjective
  • The 18-year-old was sent to Adelanto ICE Detention Center in handcuffs, nearly a hundred miles away from his worried family members.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Holmes is worried about old shingles and tiles in construction material that could have asbestos leaking into the water supply.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • In May, a frightened horse rammed into another carriage, causing the vehicle to flip over, injuring the driver.
    — ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026
  • Rodríguez acknowledged that many remain too frightened to return home even after inspections declared some buildings safe.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • However, evidence of an ancient alien civilization and a frantic distress call from deep space instantly cut those celebrations short.
    — Paul Brett, Space.com, 10 July 2026
  • Having lived long in an unusual place, Ruth provides a calm counterpoint to the frantic Tom.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of frantic
Adjective
  • On Saturday, July 4, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department rescued a dog that had fallen into a well after running away scared from the sound of fireworks.
    — Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • Playing happily one second, and too scared to be alone the next.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Outrage continues to grow after a drone was reported stalking a terrified wild mustang on North Carolina’s northern Outer Banks.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • Campbell found the minister on the ground, terrified and in pain.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • Black children experience higher rates of lactose intolerance, which meant many of my kids went the entire school day without clean, safe drinking water and instead milk that gave them an upset stomach.
    — Joe Holberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Many party insiders thought Larson would cruise to victory at the party’s nominating convention, but Bronin pulled a stunning upset that sent shock waves through the Connecticut political establishment.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
Definition of upset

Browse Nearby Words

distrait
distraught
distress
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Cite this Entry

“Distraught.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraught. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distraught

Nglish: Translation of distraught for Spanish Speakers

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