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
This may be an important part of stimulant medication, however, as sleep disturbance and poor nighttime routines come hand-in-hand with ADHD.
—
New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026
Miller was honored along with Chesterton Police Officer Cole Foster and Porter Police Officer with Life Saving Awards for their first aid efforts in helping a man who sustained a severe laceration on his right forearm during a disturbance on Grant Avenue on June 4.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Police said a disturbance at the party led to Atkinson being shot inside the venue.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
Another weak disturbance and cold front move through tonight, bringing a chance for snow showers, especially north and west, where a light coating is possible in the higher elevations.
—Bill Kelly, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026
Miller was honored along with Chesterton Police Officer Cole Foster and Porter Police Officer with Life Saving Awards for their first aid efforts in helping a man who sustained a severe laceration on his right forearm during a disturbance on Grant Avenue on June 4.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Police said a disturbance at the party led to Atkinson being shot inside the venue.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
Another weak disturbance and cold front move through tonight, bringing a chance for snow showers, especially north and west, where a light coating is possible in the higher elevations.
—Bill Kelly, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disturbance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbance
Noun
-
During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
-
In the heat of the moment, though, Certa was clearly walking after one of the officials, but Shrewsberry came barreling in as the official turned around to see the commotion.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Construction requires resurfacing roads and relocating utilities, creating traffic disruptions.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The disruptions are primarily caused by air traffic controller staffing and the FAA order, but also include unrelated flight cuts.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Zabik is facing two counts of inciting destruction of life or property, menacing, and harassment.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
And Kelly keeps cashing in, converting Hegseth’s harassment into campaign donations.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wendy’s replied, causing a stir online.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The comedian, who caused a stir in September by announcing her departure from SNL just one month before the show's 51st season, now jokes that leaving felt a lot like getting divorced.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There could be some relationship turmoil popping up for you now and in the weeks ahead, Gemini.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Amid the turmoil, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Burrow is wasting his prime years in Cincinnati.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
While Nicole Kidman appeared to settle her divorce from Keith Urban quickly and without much fuss, a less amicable situation reportedly unfolded behind the scenes, in part due to the painful aftermath of her 2001 divorce from first husband Tom Cruise.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Vongerichten didn’t get his reputation for nothing; try his signature tuna tartare with avocado, radish, and a ginger marinade and you’ll be reminded what the fuss is about.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With the game tied at three in the final minutes, the noise level on the field sounded like multiple 747s were inches away from your ears.—
Mac Engel
January 7,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Turns out, those crystal bowls and milk glass dishes—both of which made ample clinking noises—were perfect for alerting grandma that little ones were snagging candy before dinner.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Hurricanes did apply pressure, recording six quarterback hurries, but wasn’t able to finish those plays.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This one starts with that shelter imploding under the strength of a massive radiation storm that displaces the Garrity clan in a hurry, and leaves them on a lifeboat to Europe in the wretched hope that someone on the continent will offer them a safe place to plant new roots.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbance. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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