Synonyms of troublesome

troublesome

adjective

ˈtrə-bəl-səm 

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety

the troublesome news that there will be more cuts in the school budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disturbing
• unsettling
• troubling
• nasty
• frightening
• upsetting
• scary
• worrisome
• distressing
• nagging
• disquieting
• discomforting
• terrible
• perturbing
• troublous
• horrible
• shocking
• terrifying
• discouraging
• daunting
• dire
• discomposing
• disconcerting
• dismaying
• direful
• dreadful
• demoralizing
• disheartening
• alarming
• fearful
• dispiriting
• dread
• formidable
• discomfiting
• chilling
• horrifying
• forbidding
• ghastly
• fearsome
• frightful
• intimidating
• horrendous
• persecutory
• harassing
• persecutive
• hair-raising

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassuring
• settling
• soothing
• calming
• narcotic
• dreamy
• relaxing
• comforting
• sedative
• quieting
• inviting
• tranquilizing
• consoling
• pacifying
• lulling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of troublesome

Given their performances and results — a vivid draw at home to Liverpool and an excellent victory away to Tottenham — this felt more like a quirk than a troublesome theme. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Now a second Times report notes that concern over the choice of honoree has only become more troublesome since that first article was published a month ago. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026

The Iranian regime has been killing troublesome exiles since the Islamic Revolution, in 1979. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

Many of the troublesome innings have been a little weird, too. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026