troublesome

adjective

ˈtrə-bəl-səm How to pronounce troublesome (audio)
Definition of troublesomenext
as in disturbing
causing worry or anxiety the troublesome news that there will be more cuts in the school budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 troublesome Whiteflies are among the most troublesome, and tomatoes are one of their favorite hosts. — The Spruce, 18 July 2026 The defending champion comes into this week's race with a 10-place grid penalty after McLaren switched out a troublesome electrical part on his car. — ABC News, 17 July 2026 Restroom facilities on Dragon, like with almost every other human spacecraft since the beginning of time, were proving troublesome. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026 The comments on Harris’ video filled up with sympathetic fans and supporters, many who had their own stories of troublesome relationships to share. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for troublesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for troublesome
  1. disturbing
  2. unsettling
  3. troubling
  4. nasty
  5. frightening
Adjective
  • But no one can ignore the reality that New York has experienced a disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks.
    — Simcha Itzkowitz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • For people who live just steps from the home where the gun violence erupted, the incident was both disturbing and unsettling.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • For a series built around the unsettling idea of collective perfection, Pluribus works because each department thrived in the chaos of creation.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As Ludwig’s body begins to change in unsettling ways, the cure becomes a journey through fear, loss and transformation.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsettling
Adjective
  • The loss of the union’s buy-in would mark a radical shift following last week’s troubling state test results — which nearly wiped out gains in reading proficiency only a year prior.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Something was clearly off, and the sharp pivot toward paranoia was a troubling turn.
    — Ayana Lage, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of troubling
Adjective
  • Her boyfriend is nasty Sebastiano’s older soldier son Michelangelo (Lorenzo Richelmy), a true chip off the old block.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond those obvious impediments, Elkins was coming off a nasty stoppage loss in his previous fight against Julian Erosa at UFC 314 in April 2025.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • And what is perhaps most frightening, in those despondent moments that inevitably follow the exhilarating rush, is the realization that this enveloping abyss retains the imprint of our actions.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The video quickly sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many viewers expressing relief that the ride's safety restraints appeared to do their job despite the frightening ordeal.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of frightening

Browse Nearby Words

troubleshooters
troublesome
troubling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Troublesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublesome. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on troublesome

Nglish: Translation of troublesome for Spanish Speakers

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