DISTRAUGHT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

distraught

adjective

di-ˈstrȯt

Definition of distraught

as in agitated

feeling overwhelming fear or worry distraught relatives waiting to learn whether there were any survivors of the plane crash

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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 distraught In fact, when a distraught Tom Hayward suddenly reappears, a content Mary is strolling in a local park on her own. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 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 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

Adjective

The bison then appeared to become agitated and began running toward the pair.

— Sara Smart, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
The animal, clearly agitated, appeared to target the man in footage captured Friday at one of the park's campgrounds.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of agitated

Adjective

Christian is worried about Aaron’s gray jersey sportswear look because the fit will need to be perfect, and then, uh-oh, Aaron sews the bodysuit incorrectly and needs to start again.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026
The Polymarket spokesperson added that the company is worried about potential duplicative or conflicting compliance requirements that could harm innovation.

— Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of worried

Adjective

The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.

— Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
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

Definition of frightened

Adjective

Towns still rebuilding are hit by new floods Volunteer firefighters spent the night evacuating homes and answering frantic calls in Ingram, just up river from Hunt, said Ingram Mayor Claud Jordan.

— Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
The frantic antics and manic-yet-precise playing at times jaw-dropping.

— Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026

Definition of frantic

Adjective

The Cubs haven’t been scared of taking pitchers who have had that procedure in their history or even missing some of their draft year because of it.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
This result, though—an impotent, scared team that is clearly not ready for the moment—feels like two steps forward and one very large step back.

— Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of scared

Adjective

On the 14th floor, three of them broke into Ojeda’s apartment, handcuffed him in front of his terrified wife and son, and dragged him out, according to court documents and security video.

— Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026
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

Definition of terrified

Adjective

After nearly losing, in what would have been a Cinderella upset, to a completely unheralded Cabo Verde, Argentina benefitted from questionable refereeing decisions in subsequent victories over Egypt and Switzerland.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
Some Carowinds visitors were upset the park did not announce the roller coaster was closed sooner.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of upset

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distrait

distraught

distress

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“Distraught.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distraught. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of distraught

adjective

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