1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
went to investigate the disturbance outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 change had come following years of youth disturbances, including major brawls and nearby shootings.
—
Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
In the past two years, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies have been called to her home 14 times for reports of trespassing, alarms being activated, unspecified disturbances and wellness checks, the California Post also reported.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Detainees struggle to obtain medication and health care, lose concerning amounts of weight because of a lack of food, and live in fear of private security guards known to use force to put down disturbances.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
LiDAR maps subtle surface disturbances.
—Sagar Lekhak, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
In the past two years, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies have been called to her home 14 times for reports of trespassing, alarms being activated, unspecified disturbances and wellness checks, the California Post also reported.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Detainees struggle to obtain medication and health care, lose concerning amounts of weight because of a lack of food, and live in fear of private security guards known to use force to put down disturbances.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
LiDAR maps subtle surface disturbances.
—Sagar Lekhak, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbance
Noun
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Despite all the commotion happening online, Jim Carrey’s rep confirmed to TMZ that the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind actor did attend the awards ceremony.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Last June, Naomi Welikala noticed a line curving around the block of her local American Legion, an unassuming building that rarely invited commotion.—
Emma Madden,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The reasons for this cautious response are many, ranging from the precarious diplomatic implications of the conflict, disruptions to its energy security, and the embarrassing implications of allowing an ally to be destroyed.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
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Kenya Airways Saturday said flights were disrupted, with some diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa, and that disruptions would continue for hours.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tennis players on both tours have become accustomed to receiving abuse and harassment on social media, most prevalently from bettors who have lost money on their matches.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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That includes avoiding activities such as harassment, infringing on privacy rights or recording sensitive information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His comments caused a stir Wednesday from pro-Israel advocates who felt Newsom was turning on their interests.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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This recipe has two components—a crunchy streusel topping, and a simple stir-together batter.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Over the past year, the Justice Department has been in turmoil, with new leaders essentially gutting the public integrity and tax units and disbanding a task force designed to fight international corruption.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2026
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Trump has repeatedly praised Rodríguez’s cooperation with the United States and described her government as a partner in restoring order to the country after years of economic collapse and political turmoil.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The frisson of attraction is palpable from their first meeting, when Venus insists that Rika receive a chair that’s the right size, a fuss that attention-shy Rika would never have made herself.—
Sarah Chihaya,
New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2026
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Usually by this point in awards season, certain films and acting contenders have picked up every precursor along the way, gliding all the way to the Oscar stage with no drama and no fuss.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The noise disappears as the reading party begins.—
Sofia Zarran,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
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The suit alleged the developers violated a development agreement and would bring pollution, noise and traffic to a nearby neighborhood.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The 6-6, 280-pound former Olympia High standout totaled 44 tackles, including a team-leading 3 1/2 sacks, two pass break ups, three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble during 12 appearances.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
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Need to make dinner in a hurry?—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbance. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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