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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 filmmakers are able to provide us with an intimate view without disturbing all these wonderful, unique living things. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 The school has since been razed, but the construction disturbed the soil beneath it. Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 If sowing indoors, sow four to six weeks before planting out, and take care not to disturb the roots while transplanting. Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025 Stay on marked trails, pack all your trash, and respect wildlife (do not feed or disturb them). Emese MacZko, Forbes, 24 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
  • Trump, however, issued an executive order on his first day in office removing U.S. coastal waters from offshore wind development.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration has begun acting on its worthy goal of removing aliens who support Hamas -- its jihadist terror and its antisemitism.
    Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), individuals may not block access to sidewalks or buildings, disrupt counterprotests, or engage in speech that is obscene, makes knowingly false statements of fact, or incites immediate violence or dangerous disturbances.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The young centre barely had time to worry about making a first impression on his new team: The Senators hosted the Rangers at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Twenty-two percent worry about the potentially dangerous consequences of messing up, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • As always, weigh the cost-benefit analysis of the shortcut.
    Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 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
  • The rise of remote work during the health emergency allowed an influx of newcomers to relocate to Florida, bringing up demand for homes and encouraging builders to increase production.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • By imposing high import taxes, the administration hopes to incentivize companies to relocate their manufacturing operations back to American soil.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 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 15 Mar. 2025.

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