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
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Recent Examples of upsetting
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
As Grace makes her way through a particularly punishing period in her coming-of-age, researching Morissette’s own path is illuminating (and upsetting), for both the character and Levack’s audience.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Still, the visitors were the ones upsetting stomachs across Twins Territory with absurd mistakes on the base paths.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upsetting
Adjective
These memories will be both upsetting and bittersweet.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
As Grace makes her way through a particularly punishing period in her coming-of-age, researching Morissette’s own path is illuminating (and upsetting), for both the character and Levack’s audience.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
However, the interaction quickly turned heated, as Renner, who was being recorded, began to scold Washington for upsetting their son, who was crying during the exchange.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Still, the visitors were the ones upsetting stomachs across Twins Territory with absurd mistakes on the base paths.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upsetting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upsetting
Adjective
-
Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos.—
Annie Margaret,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Celebrating the assassination of a 31 year old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The tackling was alarming enough that the Broncos were practicing on Monday with live tackles, something that’s not seen too often once the season starts.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Sep. 2025
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The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Vail can once again prohibit delivery trucks from its pedestrian malls, a federal appeals court has ruled, overturning a Denver judge’s decision last year that put a stop to that ban.—
Justin Wingerter,
Denver Post,
10 Sep. 2025
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Adam Streisand, a lawyer for Rupert, used James’ cooperation for the story as ammunition for overturning the ruling and asking for a new trial.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, the president’s criticism of mail-in ballots could risk disrupting the inroads Republicans made with voters last cycle, with the party spending millions promoting mail-in ballots ahead of the 2024 election.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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The limitations placed on these researchers is disrupting NASA’s work and could stymie the careers of younger Chinese researchers who came to the US to advance their scientific work, as well as benefit the space agency through their findings, the sources said.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This may be subtle but often unsettling in nature.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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For a story that could be this dark, what a gift to be able to recount some of these things, but with a tone that doesn’t need to be wildly investigative and uncomfortable and unsettling.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This combination lends itself to transitions from focus to out of focus and background blur (bokeh) that's smooth and free of distracting elements.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Sep. 2025
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In class, Danny continues to be disorderly, challenging Maria’s authority, throwing stuff when angry, completely distracting and even frightening the other students.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Since its creation in 2007, only about 2% of applicants had successfully received forgiveness before the pandemic, largely due to confusing eligibility rules and administrative mismanagement.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Beneficiaries would have to verify their own identities by using an often-confusing web portal or by traveling to a field office to do it in person.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Either way, a wrist injury would help explain the rather troubling start for Thomas, who was profiled to be one of the best wide receivers in all of football coming into the 2025 season.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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Regardless of which direction the program goes at Head Coach, or if Iamaleava will stay for his junior season, the fact that UCLA is already looking towards next year in Week 3 is troubling enough.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upsetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upsetting. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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