1
as in troubled
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in depressed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in alarmed
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
don't let all the bad news distress you
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 distressed
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Drewenski said several employees laid off last fall to cut costs had also been reinstated, and addressed the fact that Harvey’s application for financially distressed city status was refused by the state.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
The dark wood has been stained and distressed for a rustic finish.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distressed
Adjective
Legislators decided to pour extra money into the towns this year that includes an additional $180 million for education and an additional $100 million to help distressed cities and towns.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Drewenski said several employees laid off last fall to cut costs had also been reinstated, and addressed the fact that Harvey’s application for financially distressed city status was refused by the state.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Ecru denim also made an appearance, baggy and distressed for a grittier winter look.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
The dark wood has been stained and distressed for a rustic finish.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distressed
Adjective
-
This may explain why Suzanna’s mother is a somewhat indistinct presence in the novel (at least compared with fierce Sylvie)—patient, even serene behind bars, more eager to talk about her daughter’s future than about her own future, let alone her troubled past.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
More than 10 candidates are competing for insurance commissioner, a high-pressure role overseeing a troubled market.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Researchers believe inbreeding led to depressed survival rates in pups.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Sam is very depressed and feels lonely and isolated.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Like so many in her field, The Ohio State University oncologist Ning Jin is alarmed by the number of patients in their 30s and 40s with late-stage cancer in their lower digestive tract.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dickinson appeared somewhere between perturbed and seething.—
Phil Thompson,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But if anyone ever said grey was the new pink, they were seriously disturbed.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
However, the Jackson family would only stay at the Mediterranean-style dwelling for three years before leaving in 1971, as the excessive noise of the band’s rehearsals disturbed the neighbors.—
India Roby,
Architectural Digest,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine, derived from a clothing dye called methylene blue, was first tested on agitated and delusional patients in 1952.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Trump has long agitated for changes at CNN, and few expect his Justice Department to block the transaction.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His father, Brady Kiser, said he was momentarily distracted when the incident occurred and that Emilie was away at the time.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
-
People are distracted, have too many priorities, and will not see every single email, social post, or ad.—
Daren Smith,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Over time, maintaining cleaner air can help reduce allergy flare-ups and other respiratory issues, potentially leading to lower medical expenses and a reduced reliance on ongoing treatments.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distressed. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
