disturbance

noun

di-ˈstər-bən(t)s How to pronounce disturbance (audio)
Definition of disturbancenext
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

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 disturbance Police characterized the incident Sunday evening near the city’s West End neighborhood as a family disturbance. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 In the last few years, the planetary ingredients needed for a massive disturbance have been building. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Baltimore police responded to a disturbance involving a large group of students at The Rotunda in the Hampden neighborhood Monday afternoon, authorities said. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The National Hurricane Center is also tracking two disturbances in the Atlantic with one — Dolly — likely to develop into a tropical depression or storm in the next two to seven days. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbance
  1. commotion
  2. disruption
  3. harassment
  4. stir
  5. turmoil
  6. hurry
  7. noise
  8. fuss
Noun
  • Miller denies that and says the gun fell from his sweatshirt pocket and got hit in the commotion.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Is everything okay on MobLand after the behind-the-scenes commotion involving Tom Hardy.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Indonesia has pledged to keep subsidized fuel prices unchanged through 2026, which may strain the budget if oil prices rise again due to supply disruptions or a worsening of military confrontations.
    — Celestine Iyer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The move came Monday amid growing economic pressure and public frustration being felt in Russia after months of escalating Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and e-commerce hubs that have caused nationwide disruptions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disruption
Noun
  • The suspect, 35-year-old Jorden Perozo, is charged with battery and harassment based on religious or ethnic heritage.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • He has been charged with second-degree murder, harassment, domestic assault, and tampering with physical evidence, according to court documents.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of harassment
Noun
  • Among them was a Washington think tank that caused a stir with a paper that proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 to shore up the retirement trust fund.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Just over 100 years later, Genesis executives posted up at the same historic place aiming to once again cause a stir.
    — Marco Della Cava, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • Despite all of this potential economic turmoil on the Canadian side, Carney still concluded that at the end of the day, the cost of acceding to Washington’s extravagant demands was higher than the cost of job losses and strain on a key industry.
    — Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the recent turmoil, shares are up around 14% in 2026.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Noun
  • In hurry-and-scurry mode, Katalyst built a robotic spacecraft called LINK, which launched on July 3 to meet up with Swift and haul it to a higher orbit.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • No matter your hurry, overloading your washing machine will produce a headache of a different sort (and might even cost you more money).
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurry
Noun
  • That study did not analyze the noise that would be made when officers are at the site outside of business hours.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The taxis carry four passengers, reach speeds of up to 150 mph and produce far less noise and zero operating emissions compared with traditional helicopters.
    — Mike Barnes for The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of noise
Noun
  • His parents did not want to cause a fuss and give this bully power over their son by calling him out.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This marks the first time since 2022 that Barca could spend significantly and register players without fuss.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of fuss

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disturb
disturbance
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Cite this Entry

“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbance. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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