TROUBLESOME Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

troublesome

adjective

ˈtrə-bəl-səm

Definition of troublesome

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety the troublesome news that there will be more cuts in the school budget

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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 My own reading of the accounts, assisted by the extensive readings and research of Sandra Desmond, shows me that the accounts are troublesome in that way. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 The systems ranked in the top 10 most-troublesome vehicle features in every year since 2022, according to researcher JD Power. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers polished off a 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, Shohei Ohtani checked in with the club’s training staff to report further soreness in his troublesome left knee. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 July 2026 This has always been a kind of troublesome event from a point of view of Washington journalism. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for troublesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for troublesome

Adjective

Last awards season, the gossip around town, salacious and disturbing in equal measure, was that hotel suites all over Hollywood were populated by tailors taking in gowns coming straight off the runway.

— Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
The disturbing situation came to light after a tree fell on the home during a storm.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

That year, the head trainer of the Commanders was found to have been illegally distributing oxycodone to players — an unsettling reminder of the NFL's difficult history with painkillers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
The quirky robot is a notable departure from the more unsettling machines that typically make headlines today.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsettling

Adjective

Their affection feels genuine, which makes the fault lines beneath it more troubling.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
But as the team recently spotted troubling signs during yet another training run of an unreleased model—one expected to deliver the biggest leap yet—a more consequential decision was made to pause it until new security measures were put in place.

— Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of troubling

Adjective

Minneola City Councilman David Yeager’s efforts to annex his new home into the city earlier this summer sparked a nasty debate on the council that led to two members being censured last week for incivility.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Working with a nasty four-pitch mix, Bradley struck out six over four innings before achieving the feat in the fifth.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nasty

Adjective

The thoughts that accompany these conditions can be alarming and frightening, making many women reluctant to talk about them or seek help.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026
There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.

— Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of frightening

Browse Nearby Words

troubleshooters

troublesome

troubling

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“Troublesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublesome. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublesome

adjective

Example Sentences

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