1
as in annoying
causing annoyance
a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name
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3
as in unsettling
causing worry or anxiety
a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption
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4
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery
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1
as in alarming
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
all that talk of war disturbed us
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2
as in removing
to change the place or position of
the items on her desk had been disturbed by someone
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3
as in disrupting
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
her careful filing system is sure to be disturbed during the move
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4
as in bothering
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation
sorry to disturb you while you're working
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5
as in troubling
to cause discomfort to or trouble for
please do not disturb yourself—I'll get my own drink
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disturbing
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Our most disturbing finding is that the average addiction treatment center today is no more effective than rehabs were three decades ago.
—Joanna Conti, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Jenna Anderson, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Cover the seeds with soil and water gently to avoid disturbing them.
—Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbing
Adjective
Anna and Jack put the pieces together that all three crimes are connected by the disturbing messages displayed on their deceased bodies, as well as the same friendship bracelet attached to each victim.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Our most disturbing finding is that the average addiction treatment center today is no more effective than rehabs were three decades ago.
—Joanna Conti, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Experts warn that an afternoon or evening coffee could disrupt your circadian rhythm, disturbing your sleep.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Cover the seeds with soil and water gently to avoid disturbing them.
—Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disturbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbing
Adjective
-
That one is a flimsy piano ballad where the duo’s approach to vocals—strangled, swirled and gasping—comes off more annoying than innovative, like a joke that isn’t funny anymore.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The weight of the tool allows for more control, allowing for the blade to safely and gently glide across your face to exfoliate and remove annoying peach fuzz.—
Taryn Brooke,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But the Wolverines were also 21-6 and coming off an embarrassing home loss to Illinois in the final regular-season game.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Alfonsi’s reporting did show up on Canada’s Global TV service, which had been given a feed of the program before the change was made, an embarrassing operational error by CBS News.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sharing the road with a vehicle controlled by software can feel unsettling, especially when headlines often focus on what could go wrong.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
That’s in keeping with the album’s overall vibe; even at its most placid, there’s an unsettling undercurrent.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Neighbors fear rising violence Residents said the shooting has left them uneasy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But by evening, an uneasy calm had settled across the city.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After her husband took her pets out of the room, Bloor then faced the even more delicate task of safely removing herself from the bed without alarming the snake.—
Phil Boucher,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
-
While a small sample size, the historical record for what happens after the S & P 500 has a down month after a seven-month win streak is more reassuring than alarming for the near term.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Borax and Water Similar to hydrogen peroxide, Borax is effective against mold and mildew and is excellent at removing soap scum.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The manufacturer recommends unplugging your rice cooker, removing the rice pot and wiping down all of the components with a damp rag and a mixture of vinegar and water.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Airlines canceled hundreds of flights, disrupting plans for thousands of travelers during a busy holiday weekend and in a region that experts say is among the most popular for travelers this time of year.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
-
One woman, Trish, told CBS News the fear was already disrupting daily life amid an influx of 2,000 federal law enforcement members in the Twin Cities metro area.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Try taking just 10 or 15 minutes at the same time each day to write out what's bothering you.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
15 Jan. 2026
-
My stomach has been bothering me all day.—
Dave Skretta,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disturbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbing. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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