1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
went to investigate the disturbance outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disruption
an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed
caused a disturbance in the carefully ordered proceedings
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in harassment
the act of making unwelcome intrusions upon another
the assistant apologized for the disturbance and got straight to the point
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disturbance
The chase that led to Dampier’s death started with a disturbance at a Harvey gas station, according to prior reporting.
—
Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
The disturbance of epistemological certainties evocatively matches—and illuminates—Giacometti’s varied practice.
—Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The measurements reveal that the slow solar wind emerges from the sun's surface in a nonuniform manner, producing small-scale magnetic-field disturbances.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Jessica McClure Morales, now 40, was arrested on assault charges on Saturday, April 11, after an alleged domestic disturbance at her home in Midland County, Texas, local Fox affiliate FOX26 and NBC affiliate KXAN reported.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
The disturbance of epistemological certainties evocatively matches—and illuminates—Giacometti’s varied practice.
—Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The measurements reveal that the slow solar wind emerges from the sun's surface in a nonuniform manner, producing small-scale magnetic-field disturbances.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Jessica McClure Morales, now 40, was arrested on assault charges on Saturday, April 11, after an alleged domestic disturbance at her home in Midland County, Texas, local Fox affiliate FOX26 and NBC affiliate KXAN reported.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbance
Noun
-
The commotion awakened the victim’s mother, who rushed in, causing the suspect to burst out of the home and flee, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Earlier, Kahramanmaras Governor Mukerrem Unluer had said the shooter had shot and killed himself in the commotion.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Protests over the soaring cost of fuel spread disruption across Ireland on Saturday with many gas stations running dry as truck and tractor drivers staged a fifth day of blockades at the country’s sole fuel refinery and several depots.—
Brian Melley,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Implosion was selected as the safest and most efficient method to maintain the project timeline while minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of the Brickell Key community.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many involve access problems for, or harassment of, students with disabilities.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Liman’s decision dropped Lively’s claims of harassment, defamation and conspiracy, meaning the trial will now center on alleged breach of contract and retaliation by Wayfarer and aiding and abetting retaliation by the PR firm working for Baldoni.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In Episode 2, Cassie dresses like a baby and sucks on a pacifier, which caused quite a stir online.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Bakelite handles stay comfortable and cool on the stovetop for better control with every stir and saute, while the wobble-free construction provides extra strength and helps distribute heat evenly for consistent cooking.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Amid social turmoil, three intertwining tales of disillusioned misfits collide under the machinations of an all-seeing institution.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The Human League got most of its turmoil over with right at the start, when two of the founding members of the Sheffield group left to form Heaven 17.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Although there are fancier and allegedly more pet-friendly air fresheners out there, this one is affordable, effective, and fuss-free.—
Kayla Blanton,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Nineteen even-strength saves, five power-play saves, no muss, no fuss.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management warned residents that demolition may produce loud noises and advised them to close their windows.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park fought the noise of campus hoopla to present Duke Ellington's sacred music at Knowles Chapel.—
Matthew J. Palm,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Edmonton’s Kris Knoblauch, McDavid’s former junior coach, has accumulated playoff seasoning in a hurry himself.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
If the ping-pong balls bounce its way, the chance to draft AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer would change the temperature of the rebuild in a hurry.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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