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disquiet

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disquiet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disquiet are agitate, discompose, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

In what contexts can agitate take the place of disquiet?

While the synonyms agitate and disquiet are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When might discompose be a better fit than disquiet?

Although the words discompose and disquiet have much in common, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When is disturb a more appropriate choice than disquiet?

The words disturb and disquiet can be used in similar contexts, but disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to disquiet?

The meanings of fluster and disquiet largely overlap; however, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disquiet?

The synonyms perturb and disquiet are sometimes interchangeable, but perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When can upset be used instead of disquiet?

The words upset and disquiet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 disquiet
Noun
And yet there have been signs of disquiet in the Python kingdom. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024 Those were healing gestures at a time of deep disquiet. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
Verb
His Blackness disquieted the American ideals and sensibilities that proclaim us all equal. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 26 May 2023 There are many conservatives, in politics and the media, who are disquieted about what DeSantis has done, vis-à-vis Disney. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 8 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • Additionally, last week brought further turmoil to the crypto sector when leading exchange ByBit reported a $1.5 billion theft—the largest in industry history.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Downsizing, rehiring The confusion echoed the broader turmoil surrounding Trump's return to power.
    Dan Levine, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But investigators have since sought to quell those concerns.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • But there is another underlying concern fueled by the Trump administration's embrace of right-wing, nationalist populist movements that have challenged the very idea of the EU.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trump's approach to the conflict has alarmed U.S. allies in Europe, many of which see Russian aggression as a threat to their own security.
    Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • This is a big step down from Q4 but don’t be alarmed.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Pro-Palestinian sentiments still run strong among the peoples of the region, and history has proven how civil unrest can quickly lead to instability even in nominally stable nations.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Political tensions rise over resource allocation, with social unrest more frequent.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Had fear of exposure or rejection kept you from fully stepping into leadership or creative risk?
    Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Book was worried when her sister first told her of her relationship with Holder, explaining that Pike had allegedly been verbally and physically abused in some of her past relationships.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Don't worry; all these dates and figures may seem complicated.
    David Rae, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Despite scoring four goals in 11 first-half minutes, there was a sense of unease around St James’ Park in the second half before Newcastle United finally saw out victory against Nottingham Forest.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Walmart, Akamai Other corporate reports have added to the sense of unease on Wall Street, including Walmart's most recent earnings report.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While some financial hiccups are normal in early adulthood, ongoing instability could signal deeper struggles with budgeting, impulsivity or even financial anxiety.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Merz vowed to bring stronger leadership in Europe at a moment when Trump had sowed anxiety on the continent by scrambling traditional alliances and embracing Russia.
    Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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