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Definition of disarmingnext
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disarming

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verb

present participle of disarm
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as in demilitarizing
to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of the defeated nation was disarmed so that it would never again be a threat to international order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 disarming
Adjective
This will be both disarming and believable, allowing your daughter to propose times that are both far off and inconvenient. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2022 What follows instead is a pivotal listen that conveys trauma in an assured yet disarming way. Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2021 Then check out the work of Danielle Perez, who delivers jokes about the heaviest of subjects with a breezy openness that’s totally disarming. Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2021 Garments can be gorgeous, disarming, and take your breath away. BostonGlobe.com, 15 Oct. 2021 These are the results when officers choose to draw their most disarming weapon: compassion. Steve Hartman, CBS News, 6 June 2021
Verb
His uniquely disarming sense of humor augments—and sometimes masks—the complexity of his taste and technical ability. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026 Chief among the latter is his region’s unnamed UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer), a wily mid-level bureaucrat who presents herself as Jahir’s direct line to the big guns, and persistently pulls rank on him with a disarming megawatt smile. Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026 As disarming as Rockwell is with his wry balance of doofus, savant and wiseass, and as capable as Verbinski is at keeping the brushes with death coming at a sustained pace, the movie feels most original in its flashbacks. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026 But the faceless, industrial robot isn’t exactly disarming. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026 That calls for installing a new Palestinian committee to govern Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming the militant group Hamas and taking steps to begin rebuilding. Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026 The cumulative effect is disarming—a seemingly impossible world is rendered with a clear, matter-of-fact weirdness. Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 The return of his body closed a painful chapter for the country and cleared the way for the next and more challenging phase of the ceasefire, which calls for deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, pulling back Israeli soldiers and rebuilding Gaza. Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026 Several more officers joined the scuffle, dragging Pretti to the ground and disarming him before killing him. Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disarming
Adjective
  • This sheet mask set from K-beauty brand Tonymoly has earned over 5,000 five-star ratings thanks to its adorable packaging, skin-loving formulas, and actual efficacy.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Van Cleef & Arpels’ playful Lucky Animals collection originally debuted in 2017 and has since grown with new additions of adorable critters.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The charming boutique hotel opened in 2009, and is home to two beautiful restaurants.
    Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Start by checking into the 12-key Washington School House Hotel, a charming boutique property that puts you within walking distance of the best shopping and eating on Main Street.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Her critical assessment contrasts with the governor’s more conciliatory posture.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The White House later changed course and adopted a more conciliatory approach as uproar over the shooting grew.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Reopening borders is among the challenging issues on the agenda for the phase now underway, which also includes demilitarizing the strip after nearly two decades of Hamas rule and installing a new government to oversee reconstruction.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Other challenging issues include demilitarizing the strip after nearly two decades of Hamas rule and installing a new government to oversee reconstruction.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The smooth Italian leather looks buttery and luxurious, while the simplicity of the silhouette is appeasing my favorite sleek, clean aesthetic.
    Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Newsom seems to have recognized that appeasing California’s Democrats puts him out of step with the country.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
  • If the dearest gentle readers thought the lake scene in Season 4 Part 1 of Bridgerton was steamy, a new teaser has arrived to challenge that notion.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sweeney stars as Penny Jo, a South Dakota diner waitress with an appealing smile, an ingratiating stammer, a scarf in her hair, and deep reserves of ruthless ambition.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Still, on a moment-to-moment basis, the film has tension, strong character dynamics and sharp individual portraits whose astringency gets alleviated by Gottsagen and James’ more ingratiating turns.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, the Lotus Spa provides a soothing sanctuary and full menu of pricey treatments.
    Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The usually soothing nature of Amy Hood, one of my favorite CFOs, couldn't cut through the clutter.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disarming. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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