TROUBLOUS Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

troublous

adjective

ˈtrə-b(ə-)ləs

Definition of troublous

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety a troublous teen whose antisocial antics had us all on edge

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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 troublous Then there were the ghoulish figures of revolutionary adventurers, the Mexican painter with two pistols in his belt, the men who were carving themselves careers out of these troublous times. — John Dos Passos, National Review, 28 Sep. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for troublous

Adjective

Gainey could not be reached for comment, but while the current O'Connor administration has been cooperating with investigators, Chief of Staff Dann Gilman said these revelations are disturbing.

— Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Even at their most disturbing, scenes describing carnage tend to be colorful and amusing.

— Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

But after discovering an unsettling antique portrait of a mysterious pioneer woman, their idyllic retreat begins to unravel.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
Her dangling tongue, tuft of Troll doll-esque blond hair, and pink ribbon juxtaposed with an occasional top hat give her a quirky, sometimes unsettling charm.

— Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of unsettling

Adjective

More troubling is the environmental toll on the Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Opponents see something considerably more troubling, namely politicians asking voters to weaken constitutional protections against partisan manipulation for the express purpose of partisanship.

— Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of troubling

Adjective

In 1973, Mahan held the halter of a Derby entrant while Copelan treated a troublesome abscess with hot compresses.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
To strengthen the troublesome solar cell interface, the NIMTE research team inserted an ultra-thin indium chloride intermediate layer that undergoes a localized reaction upon heating.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of troublesome

Adjective

Surely, though, it is not lost on the audience that this play opens in the middle of a strikingly nasty political campaign to elect members of the Chicago school board, warring Democrats all.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Someone who hung up on your problem is unlikely to listen to a nasty critique and vow to reform.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of nasty

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troubling

troublous

trough

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“Troublous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublous. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublous

adjective

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