as in disturbing
causing worry or anxiety
the constant arguing is upsetting to a sensitive person like your grandmother
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
This is, reportedly, very upsetting for Harry.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026
Vogue, 6 June 2026
Here’s what dietitians, microbiome researchers and a major 2021 study say about which foods make the cut and how to add them without upsetting your stomach.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for upsetting
Adjective
Shot in Scope, filled with intimate closeups of the couple, the film lets the audience experience the same upsetting jolt as Gil over Jacques’ desire for control and toxic possessiveness.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
This is, reportedly, very upsetting for Harry.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026
Verb
Another breakout moment arrived the following year, when Andreeva advanced to the semis at the French Open after upsetting Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinal.
—Vogue, 6 June 2026
Here’s what dietitians, microbiome researchers and a major 2021 study say about which foods make the cut and how to add them without upsetting your stomach.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for upsetting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upsetting
Adjective
-
There’s another, more disturbing chapter in the book about Jack Webb, the star of Dragnet.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2026
-
Chestnut said the most disturbing part is that scammers were trying to take advantage of families in a vulnerable moment.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
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But the attack ads and political endorsements generally associated with running for other offices have started showing up in judicial races, alarming some judges and raising questions about whether candidates who engage in such activity have the right temperament for the job.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
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The 2023 property tax valuation cycle — and to a lesser extent, the 2024 and 2025 cycles — have been the subject of widespread outrage in Jackson County, with skyrocketing property values alarming homeowners and business owners alike.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Within a year, the Legislature beefed up safety regulations on mobile homes, requiring them to be secured with anchors and tie-downs to prevent overturning and sliding during heavy winds.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
While exceptionally rare, there is recent precedent for Missouri courts overturning elections.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The knock-on effect is a shortage of fuel and munitions for Russian frontline troops in southern Ukraine, further disrupting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s wartime goals.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
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People attending the trial would also be prohibited from reacting, gesturing, wearing distracting clothing, or otherwise disrupting proceedings.—
Matthew Davisson,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Even when those withdrawals are planned, seeing balances decrease can feel unsettling.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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Could Kadri, given the unsettling aspects of a trade and the finger injury, find a bump in play next year?—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
18 June 2026
Verb
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In addition, intense, exciting soccer matches can be distracting and lead to overlooking subtle signs of dehydration.—
Lisa Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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Finally, toolbars are becoming more consistent, and the distracting icons in drop-down menus are quietly disappearing.—
Edward Mendelson,
PC Magazine,
10 June 2026
Verb
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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
-
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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Cancers can release this protein into the tumor microenvironment, where the molecule attaches to the T cells and change their ability to communicate with other cells, confusing the T cells and restricting their ability to survive and kill cancer.—
Charles J. Dimitroff,
The Conversation,
12 June 2026
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While the numbers, nutrients, and ingredient lists may seem confusing at first, learning how to read nutrition labels can tell you a lot about what’s actually in the food.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Upsetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upsetting. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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