upset 1 of 3

Definition of upsetnext

upset

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verb

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upset

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noun

as in disruption
an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed the move to a new town is just the latest in a series of upsets for my family over the last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb upset contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of upset are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, fluster, and perturb. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

When is it sensible to use agitate instead of upset?

While the synonyms agitate and upset are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

In what contexts can discompose take the place of upset?

Although the words discompose and upset have much in common, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When can disquiet be used instead of upset?

The synonyms disquiet and upset are sometimes interchangeable, but disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When might disturb be a better fit than upset?

In some situations, the words disturb and upset are roughly equivalent. However, disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

When could fluster be used to replace upset?

The words fluster and upset are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When would perturb be a good substitute for upset?

The meanings of perturb and upset largely overlap; however, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

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 upset
Adjective
Katie Wilson won an upset victory to lead Seattle last fall. ABC News, 19 June 2026 Asked about this, Wallach told Inside Climate News that a tiger rubbing up against its fencing is not upset. Katie Surma, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026
Verb
The pair were disappointed and upset by the state of the world, and after a few years of stewing, Kugel and Montoya got started on a second album. Daniel Kohn, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 With head and tail up, Copper flashed past me, and my mount Shorty gave a surprised grunt, slid back on his haunches, and almost upset me. Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
Noun
Against all odds, the Asian squad pulled off the upset. Juliana Kim, NPR, 17 June 2026 What followed in Seoul on May 31, 2002 was one of the great World Cup upsets, the reigning champions beaten by Papa Bouba Diop’s goal. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for upset
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upset
Adjective
  • Many small business owners struggle to provide retirement plans, according to a Senate legislative analyst, and Americans are growing increasingly worried about their financial security in retirement.
    Madeline Luebkert, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • But, garnering the support from those within the Big Ten and SEC footprint is clearly not an aspect of this process that both Cantwell and Cruz are worried about.
    Trey Wallace, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • But prosecutors said their further investigation raised significant doubts about those conclusions, worrying them that a jury would not find Hobby guilty of an arson charge.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Some academic leaders worry that the report might drive students away from programs that encompass the core of human knowledge.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • At least some of Mahajan's family managed to jump out safely, but Mahajan was still inside when the carriage clipped another horse carriage and overturned.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • As of mid-June, no state insurance AI rule has been challenged in court, let alone overturned.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The fires also disrupted travel across parts of Miami-Dade County.
    Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and health conditions like metabolic bone disease can disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weaker bones over time.
    Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • At least 17 people have died, most of them linked to a lack of medical care caused by transportation disruptions, according to Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office and human rights organizations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • At least 17 people have died, at least seven due a lack of medical care caused by transportation disruptions, according to Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office and human rights organizations.
    Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Oprah selected it for her book club; at her compound in Montecito, Whitehead was so nervous that her staff insisted on blow-drying the damp patches of his dress shirt before they were introduced.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • The low unemployment rate had made many economists nervous, including some on the Fed.
    Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The golf practice center would disturb an already fragile ecosystem with a high water table, the board wrote.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • Gorsuch said the opinion was narrow and did not disturb other provisions of the law, which includes a ban on guns for drug addicts, ban on guns for people presently intoxicated and prohibition of firearms for those deemed a danger to themselves or others.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The boat capsized after the crash, throwing all into the bay.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
  • That way, no one event can capsize the fund.
    Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upset. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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