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
Mangione’s lawyers had faced a deadline Thursday to provide prosecutors with information to support the emotional disturbance claim.
—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
If successful, an extreme emotional disturbance defense could have allowed a jury to convict Mangione of manslaughter rather than murder, resulting in a lesser sentence, according to the AP.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
While no major storm is forecast, even moderate disturbances can enhance visibility under dark, clear skies.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Had the defense team been able to prove the disturbance, a possible conviction would have been reduced from second-degree murder to first-degree manslaughter.
—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
If successful, an extreme emotional disturbance defense could have allowed a jury to convict Mangione of manslaughter rather than murder, resulting in a lesser sentence, according to the AP.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
While no major storm is forecast, even moderate disturbances can enhance visibility under dark, clear skies.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Had the defense team been able to prove the disturbance, a possible conviction would have been reduced from second-degree murder to first-degree manslaughter.
—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbance
Noun
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Then about a week later, the son responded to a commotion outside their home and found Spencer hitting his mother in the head with a brick, according to officials.
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Seeing the commotion, Louis and Paul came galloping back.
Noun
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Following their return, the council later passed an immigration action plan and an ordinance restricting city property from civil immigration enforcement on a 9-0 vote, despite the disruption.
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Minimizing disruption to work or school is a priority, according to its website.
Noun
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Potential jurors questioned on harassment, retaliation A jury pools of roughly 300 Johnson County residents was whittled down to 110 on Monday morning before attorneys began their questions.
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Ovitz had left the agency a few months before the alleged assault, but Ormond’s attorneys wanted to question him about his knowledge of Weinstein, the operations of CAA, and the culture of harassment in the industry, which Ovitz had referenced in his memoir.
Noun
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The cover girl, who is drawn on the box, has created a stir.
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Rag and Bone’s Miramar line has caused a stir among celebrities and editors alike since its debut a few years ago.
Noun
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The federal program, established by Congress in 1990, shields immigrants from countries in turmoil from deportation.
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This catastrophe severely exacerbates Venezuela's existing economic crisis and political turmoil, leaving children facing extreme deprivation, malnutrition, and disease.
Noun
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William Saliba — France/Arsenal (same) Saliba does everything on the pitch with a minimum of fuss.
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The flowy silhouette packs down without much fuss.
Noun
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Rescue workers heard noises that raised the possibility that someone underneath was still alive, Espy told The Times.
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Ration food and water, listen for rescue calls and search for something near you to make noise.
Noun
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Evans worked as an off-the-ball floor spacer with the ability to heat up from outside in a hurry while shooting 38% from behind the arc through two seasons.
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His hushed, ragged whisper feels suitably weathered, fitting a collection of songs that never are in a hurry.
Cite this Entry
“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbance. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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