1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unpaid
not yet paid
I keep unsettled bills next to the checkbook
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pending
not yet settled or decided
we can't move on as long as this important question remains unsettled
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
I'm still unsettled about whether I should take that job
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in disturbed
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsettled
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Americans sought a faster, more direct path across the vast, dangerous, and still largely unsettled terrain, which at the time meant basically anything west of the Missouri River.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Mamdani’s victory seemed to have surprised and unsettled him.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsettled
Adjective
Ian Littleworth’s Happy, the dissolute son always looking for an easy way out, seems unsettled not only in his bearings but in his command of the script.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Americans sought a faster, more direct path across the vast, dangerous, and still largely unsettled terrain, which at the time meant basically anything west of the Missouri River.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA), unsettled to minor geomagnetic storm conditions (G1) are expected this evening, with isolated to moderate (G2) levels possible as solar wind speeds continue to energize Earth's magnetic field.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Mamdani’s victory seemed to have surprised and unsettled him.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsettled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsettled
Adjective
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Deterring Pests Another companion planting strategy is to interplant crops with plants that produce volatile chemicals such as strong odors that confuse pests.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
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As a result, expect the stock market to remain volatile next week as updates on the Iran war continue to roll through.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The building’s water bill has gone unpaid for months, Brown said, and there are liens against the property.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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Heart is with our unpaid @TSA workers.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As part of Roberts' plea agreement, three other pending cases were resolved.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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There are at least three more pending investigations that are still outstanding, according to OSHA’s website, and Boring Company is currently contesting eight citations it was issued regarding chemical burns in 2024.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Mamdani's approval rating A Marist Poll published Wednesday revealed 48% of NYC residents think Mayor Mamdani is doing a good job so far, 30% disapprove of his performance, while 23% are unsure how to rate him.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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In Mexico the loss of territory discredited the country’s conservative government and left many of its citizens unsure of their country’s future as an independent state.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On the other hand, upright Acrocarpous-type mosses are more likely to be disturbed by foot traffic, but their growth habit gives them plenty of visual appeal.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
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The deputy checked the vehicle but found nothing had been disturbed or stolen.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Special election turnout is unpredictable, but Harris' overperformance in Georgia tonight fits into broader narratives about Democrats' chances in the midterms, especially if the war in Iran continues on and gas prices for Americans continue to rise.—
Halle Troadec,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
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That matters because real homes are messy and unpredictable.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The show won nine Emmys during its run, including an outstanding comedy series win and an outstanding lead actress award for O’Hara, both in 2020.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
5 Apr. 2026
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The special coins recognize those over the age of 70 for outstanding service to their communities, and the number of recipients matches the age of the monarch.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The question of who controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for oil and gas, is yet unresolved.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
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With key issues around the Middle East conflict unresolved, attention is turning to weekend negotiations in Islamabad, where a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet Iranian officials.—
Yihui Xie,
Bloomberg,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsettled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsettled. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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