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
And are some Heat fans still upset with the way James left Miami in ‘14 after a seeming falling out with Pat Riley? Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Potatoes naturally contain glycoalkaloids, but sprouting and green coloring indicate an increase in these compounds and a higher risk of toxic effects like vomiting and stomach upset. Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
Verb
Mangione has become a cause célèbre for people upset with the health insurance industry. Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Graham said Whipple’s criticism of the union’s endorsement process would likely upset the organization’s large membership of teachers. Chance Swaim, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Noun
For much of the game, England looked to be headed for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. CBS News, 1 July 2026 Yesterday's primary elections in Colorado resulted in several upsets. Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for upset
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upset
Adjective
  • The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
  • Hollywood insider Rob Shuter is reporting that guests to the wedding are worried about the itinerary and the scale of the celebration.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • At 53%, most Americans worry AI could cost them or someone in their household a job, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in June.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The 2025 outbreak was HPAI, and that’s the strain that continues to worry veterinarians and poultry scientists.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Tuesday’s ruling means the regulations cannot take effect unless the decision is overturned on appeal.
    Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The Georgia Department of Public Health was able to use state funds to maintain its AIDS Drug Assistance Program without disruption until federal funds arrived, a spokeswoman for the agency said.
    Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • In this current era of AI disruption and geopolitical uncertainty, there seems to be another gendered pattern in the workplace coming to light.
    Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • At Clis boutique in Melrose Park, owner Jeimmy Espina is nervous and overwhelmed by the number of dead and injured in her home country.
    Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Apple head honchos are nervous about cybersecurity – and one reason might be a recent supply chain attack on supplier Tata, the largest Indian company of its kind to ink a partnership with the front-running American smartphone company.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026
  • The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Of the 10 people on the boat, seven were rescued after the boat capsized, a spokesperson for the Walworth County Sheriff's Office confirmed to the outlet.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Three people died and seven others were rescued Friday after a boat capsized in Geneva Lake as a strong storm passed through southern Wisconsin, an official said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Upset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upset. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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