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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 The following story contains graphic language that may disturb some readers. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 Warren called his sister and was disturbed by their short conversation. Johnny Dodd, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Gardeners and landscapers alike use them to keep unwanted plants at bay without disturbing their beloved greenery. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025 Padilla was disturbed by Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism. Kate Wolffe, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.
    Paul Sisson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • As Caro settled into life in a new country, one thing often bothered him.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The fossil fuel industry, which includes petrochemical manufacturers, donated heavily to Mr. Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to remove regulations that add to their costs.
    Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The survey found that 57 percent are unaware that these screenings can prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Every year, earthquakes claim victims and cost billions in direct economic loss, damaging or destroying homes, tearing down infrastructure, rendering production sites inoperable, and disrupting transport lines.
    David Bressan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The right-wing House Freedom Caucus on Tuesday issued a threat to try to censure any Democratic lawmakers or guests who disrupt President Trump's speech to Congress.
    Andrew Solender, Axios, 5 Mar. 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
  • Economists worry that the tariffs could spark another round of inflation at a time when the Federal Reserve is considering whether to lower interest rates further or hold steady as policymakers weigh the impact of Trump’s aggressive fiscal and trade policy moves.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As always, weigh the cost-benefit analysis of the shortcut.
    Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The judge weighed several factors in determining whether to send Syed back to prison as required under the Juvenile Restoration Act.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Have we been distracted too much by all the verbal fireworks this season from CK, Phillip, and Seychelle to notice that Lete is an absolute assassin out there?
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Grave screamed for help, but security personnel were distracted by the game and not paying attention, the lawsuit said.
    Louis Casiano, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In 2024, the darkroom relocated to a brand-new facility at 334 Himrod Street in Bushwick.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The two special needs preschool programs for students with disabilities at Silver Shores would relocate to Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines.
    Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturb. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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