1
2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disturb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disturb are agitate, discompose, disquiet, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

When is it sensible to use agitate instead of disturb?

In some situations, the words agitate and disturb are roughly equivalent. However, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When is discompose a more appropriate choice than disturb?

The synonyms discompose and disturb are sometimes interchangeable, but discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When can disquiet be used instead of disturb?

The meanings of disquiet and disturb largely overlap; however, disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When would fluster be a good substitute for disturb?

While the synonyms fluster and disturb are close in meaning, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disturb?

Although the words perturb and disturb have much in common, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

In what contexts can upset take the place of disturb?

The words upset and disturb can be used in similar contexts, but upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 disturb Well-meaning people sometimes disturb the fawn and bring it to a wildlife sanctuary, thinking it has been abandoned. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 By tracking how these patterns move from frame to frame, scientists can calculate the speed and direction of the grains inside the pile, without ever stopping or disturbing the flow. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025 On another job in an extravagant mansion, he’s disturbed by a loud noise upstairs. Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 Families devastated as disturbing details emerge about shooter 2. FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • The acting didn’t bother me, but the directing did.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
  • If the odds of winning the lottery are so low, why do people bother playing?
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Following intense backlash from conservatives, the graphic was removed, and the museum issued an apology.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Morgan Pope won the Power of Veto competition this week and removed herself from the block.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, concern is growing about how certain food additives and preservatives may disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Anders is disrupting financial services.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Not knowing much about the condition, Mares-Sedillo worried that her face would be permanently altered.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The condition's most severe symptoms are sensitivities to spices, salt, and sweets, which means there's no reason to worry about a geographic tongue diagnosis.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Getty Images Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Rather than conjuring a mood of bracing inexorability, this linear focus only suffocates what might be an interesting debate, as a man of the modern world weighs his values against those of a woman raised in atavistic isolation.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That will distract any views of the neighbors’ patios or houses that might linger until the shrubs fill in.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Some medications can help distract the brain, and those are usually tried first.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Palestinians in Gaza would receive $5,000 and an aid package to relocate.
    Michele Chabin, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Growing Up With Aunt Edna To Williams-Mbengue, Edna Lewis was simply Aunt Edna, the beloved caretaker who relocated to the Bronx (where Williams-Mbengue grew up) when her mother fell ill with tuberculosis and sought treatment in Philadelphia.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This decision could confuse your friends.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The season ended with the two attending a sleepover at Cody's house after his mom confused Beavis and Butt-Head with her son's friends.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturb. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disturb

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!