UPSETTING Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

upsetting 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)əp-ˈse-tiŋ

Definition of upsetting

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety the constant arguing is upsetting to a sensitive person like your grandmother

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

upsetting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of upset

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

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

as in disrupting

to undo the proper order or arrangement of the change in the bus schedule upset our daily routine

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 upsetting

Adjective

For people like Emily Phelps who go to the park regularly that possibility is upsetting. — John Dias, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 This story involves discussion of suicide that some readers may find upsetting. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

More pragmatic figures in the establishment accuse these hard-liners of upsetting the country’s social peace with needless political repression, and by seeking to micromanage the lifestyles of ordinary people. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 But his mental anguish is upsetting the balance of his cross-species DNA, first with paralyzing headaches and gradually with an internal battle as his arachnid side starts overpowering his human side. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for upsetting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upsetting

Adjective

While working at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers a secret manuscript containing Verity’s apparent autobiographical notes, raising disturbing questions about her past and sending her spiraling over what to believe.

— Michaela Zee, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
The development, announced Wednesday, is the latest turn in a disturbing player-health controversy that could lead to legal action.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Verb

But the Treasury market’s rapid deterioration is now alarming those who previously downplayed the risks.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
The constant delay-of-game calls, false starts and inability to get lined up are a special level of alarming for a quarterback who entered the NFL 10 years ago.

— Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of alarming

Verb

As well as overturning the 2024 standards, the EPA is proposing to roll back its authority to regulate climate pollution from power plants.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Kavanaugh wrote an opinion in 2012 overturning the terrorism conviction of a driver and bodyguard for Osama bin Laden.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of overturning

Verb

Different views on the topic The administration and its supporters reject the claim that their election efforts are aimed at disrupting or manipulating voting.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
The Panthers were flagged 16 times for 165 yards, disrupting an otherwise dominant performance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of disrupting

Adjective

Up close, its elongated head, skeletal body and glistening double set of jaws reveal just how much unsettling detail goes into a creature often glimpsed onscreen in darkness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Adrià describes a world filtered through adolescence, where people, places and situations can appear idealized, magical or unsettling.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of unsettling

Verb

The result is a safer-phone category that already spans traditional feature phones, minimalist devices and smartphones that have been deliberately stripped of distracting features.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
Schedule time away from distracting apps If certain times of day are your weak spot, Downtime can help.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of distracting

Verb

The rip currents and massive surf are capable of capsizing small boats, knocking people off jetties and pulling swimmers out to sea.

— Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Prosecutors said Hernandez piloted the boat into a swell and had accelerated the throttle to try to pass through it until the swell swamped the bow of the boat, capsizing it immediately, a complaint alleged.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of capsizing

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upsets

upsetting

upshot

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“Upsetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upsetting. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of upsetting

adjective

verb

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