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
  • To say all of this is eye-opening and disturbing doesn’t begin to cover it.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • These are questions that can be discomfiting, even disturbing.
    — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 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
  • But what’s perhaps more troubling are the implications of AI as an increasingly active participant in conversations surrounding beauty.
    — Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But when state attorneys general bring an antitrust lawsuit in large part to get around First Amendment protections, that is deeply troubling.
    — Chris Wallace, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of troubling
Adjective
  • Under its guidance, untold hectares of nasty greenery have succumbed to billions of dollars in herbicide.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The schedule is nasty, too, with the Wolverines’ first five Power 4 opponents all capable of winning nine or more games this year.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 4 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
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Cite this Entry

“Troublesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublesome. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on troublesome

Nglish: Translation of troublesome for Spanish Speakers

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