Definition of disturbnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disturb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disturb are agitate, discompose, disquiet, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

When is it sensible to use agitate instead of disturb?

In some situations, the words agitate and disturb are roughly equivalent. However, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

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

When is discompose a more appropriate choice than disturb?

The synonyms discompose and disturb are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 can disquiet be used instead of disturb?

The meanings of disquiet and disturb largely overlap; however, disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When would fluster be a good substitute for disturb?

While the synonyms fluster and disturb are close in meaning, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disturb?

Although the words perturb and disturb have much in common, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

In what contexts can upset take the place of disturb?

The words upset and disturb can be used in similar contexts, but 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 disturb This was the dark and disturbing Velvets release. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 1 May 2026 Blueberry plants also have a shallow root system that can be disturbed by planting annuals and is subject to competition from surrounding plants for water and nutrients. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 Her only prior charge was a 2024 misdemeanor for disturbing the peace. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Apr. 2026 There is disturbing use by 13-year-olds and those who are older in bike lanes and our once-tranquil walking and bike trails. Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • After a frustrating conversation with a hotel staffer about the air conditioning, a hot and bothered Fuller threw on a ball cap, turned it backward and recorded a rant on his cellphone.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
  • Nine months after Varland was traded, Twins fans are still bothered the hometown kid isn’t clicking for them instead, especially given recent results from Minnesota’s bullpen.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • On the Met steps, Osaka opened her dress and removed her headpiece for a grand reveal underneath.
    Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • While the salt helps with debris and odor, soap and warm water help to remove more residue and bacteria.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Allen was injured but was not shot during the April 25 attack at the Washington Hilton, which disrupted one of the highest-profile annual events in the nation’s capital.
    Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
  • Several airlines are offering limited-time fares to help accommodate passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by Spirit’s closure.
    Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • One perhaps shouldn’t worry too much about AI being prompted to resurrect a talk-show host, what with the whole format dying anyway.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
  • Equally important, a chatbot does not worry about your wellbeing the way a doctor might—which is important, since the best healers combine technical skills with moral judgment and empathy.
    Sudheesha Perera, Time, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • For buyers weighing a condo near Sundance Square against a house in Arlington Heights or Wedgwood, that timing gives room to compare options without panic bidding.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
  • The tuna — sometimes weighing as much as 200 pounds — can drop her car four inches closer to the ground once loaded, Lee says.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Made in response to a difficult breakup, the work alludes to two lovers parting ways, but also to Pau’s memories of isolation as a severely asthmatic child in a notoriously polluted city, lying in bed staring at the wall and inventing stories to distract herself from the difficulty of breathing.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Having relocated from Chicago to New York, Tasha decamped to Los Angeles to record the album with producer and SML member Gregory Uhlmann.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 6 May 2026
  • According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the individual relocated to the Dominican Republic in December 2023.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • But when an audition for the sixth film came through, he was initially confused by the prospect of rejoining a franchise in which his character had already died.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 2 May 2026
  • The Pace exhibition also included photographs of unidentified objects orbiting Earth and kite-like sculptures resembling military satellites designed to confuse enemy radars.
    Louis Bury, ARTnews.com, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturb. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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