1
as in annoying
causing annoyance
a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unsettling
causing worry or anxiety
a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in alarming
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
all that talk of war disturbed us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in removing
to change the place or position of
the items on her desk had been disturbed by someone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disrupting
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
her careful filing system is sure to be disturbed during the move
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bothering
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation
sorry to disturb you while you're working
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in troubling
to cause discomfort to or trouble for
please do not disturb yourself—I'll get my own drink
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 disturbing
Jessica Riley,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Even more disturbing, some brands whose products were labeled as melatonin in the study actually had cannabidiol, or CBD, in them instead.
—
Sally Ibrahim,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Skyler Shepard,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
Romantic from the first frame to the last, Park Chan-wook's 2022 masterpiece is a culmination of his steady and coherent approach to disturbing characters and his love for Hitchcock.
—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbing
Adjective
Neighbors in the community say the incident is deeply disturbing, as kids are always walking to the bus stop, passing, and playing in the park.
—
Jessica Riley,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Even more disturbing, some brands whose products were labeled as melatonin in the study actually had cannabidiol, or CBD, in them instead.
—
Sally Ibrahim,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Verb
At the news conference, Uthmeier said his office uncovered disturbing material during its investigation.
—
Skyler Shepard,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
Romantic from the first frame to the last, Park Chan-wook's 2022 masterpiece is a culmination of his steady and coherent approach to disturbing characters and his love for Hitchcock.
—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbing
Adjective
-
Scam texts are annoying for everyone.
-
Others have blamed everything from feminism and long work commutes to annoying kiddy car seats.
Adjective
-
Every year, the Heart Rate Challenge is one of the most embarrassing rituals this show puts the Islanders through.
-
Boise’s rough end to May stretched into June, and the first-year club left Madison, Wisconsin, last week surrendering four unanswered goals in the second half for an embarrassing loss.
Adjective
-
The New York Times reported that multiple women who once dated Platner described the Maine oysterman’s behavior as intimidating and unsettling.
-
This move, by a native of the attention economy, signals a growing trend of users actively disengaging, unsettling consumer investors.
Adjective
-
As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, most Americans feel uneasy about their present, and pessimistic about their future, polls show.
-
Sanders takes an uneasy step, into his wonderful, painful childhood.
Verb
-
At the same time, the state’s spending keeps growing quickly as well, alarming the Legislative Analyst’s Office, which advises the Legislature on fiscal matters.
-
The 2023 property tax valuation cycle — and to a lesser extent, the 2024 and 2025 cycles — have been the subject of widespread outrage in Jackson County, with skyrocketing property values alarming homeowners and business owners alike.
Verb
-
Regular care prevents yellowing by removing oils and buildup that dull fabrics over time.
-
Bart Jansen Trump called the court removing restrictions on political spending a victory for Republicans and free speech.
Verb
-
Woods said a reading in line with expectations would likely keep markets focused on inflation and the Federal Reserve's policy path without disrupting the recent rally.
-
He’s flanked by more individually talented defenders than ever, with Cason Wallace disrupting ballhandlers and Alex Caruso as versatile as any of the team’s guard defenders.
Verb
-
That shift may help explain why some couples notice their partner’s scent bothering them more during periods of conflict.
-
The chest pain that had been bothering her finally let up.
Cite this Entry
“Disturbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbing. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
