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 On the other hand, Ohtani missed his last start for treatment of a troublesome left knee, and neither Snell nor Glasnow has pitched since May. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 But if winter deliveries fall short and a drought takes hold, missing the December target could mark the beginning of a troublesome era. — Corey Schmidt july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 Others are using the incident to suggest that the bears should be eliminated, extending the current trend to overstep, by relocating or even euthanizing troublesome bears. — Steve Searles, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 The dialogue addressed generally some troublesome attitudes toward women in the progressive world. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 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
  • In a handwritten criminal complaint, Patty’s ex-wife described a disturbing physical altercation that allegedly left her with a swollen arm, neck pain and a bump on her head.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The 1981 film revolves around a woman who begins exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior after asking her husband for a divorce.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 29 July 2026
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • The image could be a still from a film about an alien invasion, although the ominous light almost makes the figures seem like cinemagoers transfixed by something unsettling playing out onscreen.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
  • The Houthi threat is so unsettling to oil markets because millions of barrels per day pass through the Bab el-Mandeb strait to reach global markets.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 23 July 2026
Definition of unsettling
Adjective
  • But repeatedly rationalizing troubling information and warning signs is different.
    — Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Evidence displayed at the preliminary hearing greatly expanded on that document, providing a lengthy and troubling account of Burke and Hernandez’s relationship.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of troubling
Adjective
  • Katherine MacGregor Katherine MacGregor played nasty gossip Harriet Oleson on the show.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
  • And with peak travel season underway, millions of people may have to contend with this disorienting condition, which can cause sleep disturbances, daytime tiredness, headaches and nasty gastrointestinal symptoms.
    — Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • His solution was to ride at a frightening pace from the outset of stages, hoping to shed his rival from his back wheel — an approach that rewarded him with king of the mountains points throughout the Tour’s final week.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The most frightening scenario to many officials on both sides of the border is that the United States might use Rocha’s case as a pretext to strike Mexico.
    — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of frightening

Browse Nearby Words

troubleshooters
troublesome
troubling
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Cite this Entry

“Troublesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublesome. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on troublesome

Nglish: Translation of troublesome for Spanish Speakers

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