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 While the ambient light adds a personalized touch to the environment, the separate nightlight function provides gentle illumination to improve nighttime convenience without disturbing sleep. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 16 July 2025 Draper’s own forehand was misfiring, while his backhand—the dependable shot of his younger self—lacked the power to disturb someone in Čilić’s frame of mind. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 Fortunately, though this could disturb things here on the surface that rely on satellites, like communication, navigation, and weather monitoring, the direct risk is very low. Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 July 2025 However, infrared videography can help record what’s going on on the beach without disturbing the turtles or crabs. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.
    Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • Chisholm, the Yankees’ hottest hitter over the last month or so, has said that the shoulder bothers him more in the field than at the plate.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Promptly remove former employees or admins Regularly audit account access and revoke permissions for anyone who no longer needs it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • The work includes removing asphalt surface and placing new waterproofing, a new asphalt surface and associated items.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Underneath the fun exterior, Red Bull was serious about its ambitions of disrupting F1’s front-runners and assembling a team that was capable of winning a championship.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Frequent use can disrupt normal bowel function and lead to laxative dependence or chronic constipation.7 Only use castor oil under medical guidance.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Consider buying bottles with pumps so guests don't have to worry about unscrewing lids and pouring the syrups in their drinks.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
  • Buying back-to-school supplies can be challenging for families, so organizations and companies across Phoenix are hosting backpack and school supply giveaways to ensure that no student has to worry about being ready for the school year.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • More of a gel-like texture than liquidy, this serum still never weighs hair down after use.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Christians of goodwill can weigh these matters and come to divergent conclusions.
    Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.
    Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
  • The legal fight threatens to distract from the group's goals in a state where Democrats already struggle to adequately field and fund candidates.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Industry sources report that several Hungarian companies are already considering relocating operations to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Baltics or elsewhere in Europe.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • According to The New York Times, the family relocated to Miami two years later, in 2004, to help Maria train more seriously and secure a spot on a college team.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Currently, the site has a wall with three holes, which has confused residents.
    Kamal Morgan July 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturb. Accessed 25 Jul. 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!