unsettle
verb
un·set·tle
ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl 
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles
1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose
Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.
: to become unsettled
Synonyms of unsettle
Examples of unsettle in a Sentence
Such a sudden change will unsettle her.
the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
Recent Examples on the Web
But as dubious therapies and unsettling postcolonial rituals blur the line between wellness and manipulation, Alexa begins uncovering the disturbing forces hidden beneath the retreat’s seductive façade.
—
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 May 2026
His decision to pull out of the house sales upends an entire property chain, as his manipulative nature unsettles those around him.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Since the moon is also void for nearly the entire day, before entering Aries later this evening, the energy could feel strangely unsettled.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The question of how to balance me and us is still unsettled as of Season 50.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsettle
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Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 May 2026
His decision to pull out of the house sales upends an entire property chain, as his manipulative nature unsettles those around him.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Since the moon is also void for nearly the entire day, before entering Aries later this evening, the energy could feel strangely unsettled.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The question of how to balance me and us is still unsettled as of Season 50.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsettle
Cite this Entry
“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsettle
verb
un·set·tle
ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him
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