as in disturbing
causing worry or anxiety
the constant arguing is upsetting to a sensitive person like your grandmother
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in alarming
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the smallest things can upset us if we're already stressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overturning
to turn on one's side or upside down
the narrow boat upsets easily and should be handled with care
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disrupting
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
the change in the bus schedule upset our daily routine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of upsetting
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
To be online is to have to actively avoid seeing upsetting images, though jobs like Margot’s are like trying to funnel the ocean through a colander.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Congressional leaders, wired to protect their own and afraid of upsetting their narrow margins, are famous for shrouding ethics investigations in secrecy and dragging them out for years.
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upsetting
Adjective
That was such a terrible shock and really upsetting, horrifying, and scary.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
To be online is to have to actively avoid seeing upsetting images, though jobs like Margot’s are like trying to funnel the ocean through a colander.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Keselowski pointed to superspeedways and short tracks as the best shot at upsetting anyone in a Toyota.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Congressional leaders, wired to protect their own and afraid of upsetting their narrow margins, are famous for shrouding ethics investigations in secrecy and dragging them out for years.
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upsetting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upsetting
Adjective
-
Chronister said content on Abugharbieh’s phone had been erased, but a forensic examination revealed disturbing searches in the days before Bristy and Limon went missing.—
Mike Schneider,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
The series is riveting and disturbing, culminating with Bateman’s arrest and eventual conviction.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The alerts were triggered by the severe thunderstorm moving through the area, alarming some residents who were unaware the city’s siren system now also goes off when a severe weather warning is issued by the National Weather Service.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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Midway through my massage, the boat unmoored itself and set sail—setting off an initially alarming vibrating bed and whirring engine noise.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Garcia Torres’ appellate attorney who secured the ruling overturning the conviction also did not respond to messages seeking comment.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Election law experts contend that the scenario of Republicans successfully overturning election results is unlikely, with legal remedies available to prevent stalling and ensure certification of results by January 3 when the new Congress convenes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Canvas, a learning management platform used by thousands of schools and universities, was down for hours on May 7 after a cyberattack, disrupting access to grades and coursework during spring finals season for many.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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The Iranian military did not say how exactly the vessel, which has since changed its name to Jin Li, was disrupting its oil exports.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Freida has a rare ability to draw readers – and viewers – into an unsettling sense of comfort, before brilliantly pulling the rug from under them.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
-
Freida has a rare ability to draw readers — and viewers — into an unsettling sense of comfort, before brilliantly pulling the rug from under them.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The curators supply a historical backdrop, therefore, but discreetly, and without distracting us from Wright’s poetic originality.—
Julian Bell,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Living Room also extends outdoors to the rooftop Terrazzo Bar with views that are almost too distracting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Frontex patrol boat sank off the tiny Greek island of Kastellorizo after capsizing, the coast guard said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Operators of another boat happened to be on the phone with the Coast Guard checking conditions in the inlet and reported the vessel, the Moonstruck, capsizing, according to The Coastland Times.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Elegoo Jupiter 2 3D printer shows flashes of excellence with its massive build volume and striking print quality, but uneven automation, confusing UI menus, and a still-maturing workflow limit its appeal.—
Michael Lydick,
PC Magazine,
2 May 2026
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Amanda Peet has had people confusing her for Lake Bell at restaurants, airports, red carpets and everywhere in between.—
Laura Lane,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Upsetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upsetting. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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