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
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Recent Examples of upsetting
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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
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
The host responded to the claims during a later show, acknowledging the shooting was upsetting but pointing out his own history of advocating for gun control.
—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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
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
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The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
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This past Juneteenth weekend saw a spate of shooting incidents that underscored a disturbing trend.
Verb
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At the same time, the state’s spending keeps growing quickly as well, alarming the Legislative Analyst’s Office, which advises the Legislature on fiscal matters.
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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.
Verb
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Nonetheless, overturning the election would be unprecedented in Colombian history.
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Ehrlich said athletes very well could continue to petition courts for extended eligibility based on antitrust arguments, but appellate courts recently have delivered wins for the NCAA by overturning preliminary injunctions in several cases.
Verb
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The shadow fleet, aging tankers and cargo ships that break US sanctions and sabotage subsea cables with impunity, are increasingly disrupting global trade and data flows.
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Britain, Italy and Spain were also sweltering in extreme heat, with record temperatures in some regions disrupting schools and transport networks.
Adjective
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The New York Times reported that multiple women who once dated Platner described the Maine oysterman’s behavior as intimidating and unsettling.
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This move, by a native of the attention economy, signals a growing trend of users actively disengaging, unsettling consumer investors.
Verb
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However, there was a distracting graphical issue where characters and objects would get weird glowy or black artifacts around the edges in close-up shots during battles and cutscenes.
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People attending the trial would also be prohibited from reacting, gesturing, wearing distracting clothing, or otherwise disrupting proceedings.
Verb
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The Frontex patrol boat sank off the tiny Greek island of Kastellorizo after capsizing, the coast guard said.
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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.
Verb
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Why People Misunderstand This Intelligence The first mistake people make is confusing integrative intelligence with being broadly knowledgeable.
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Having said that, conversations might be confusing today.
Cite this Entry
“Upsetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upsetting. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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