disconcert

verb

ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt How to pronounce disconcert (audio)
Definition of disconcertnext
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress we were disconcerted by the unexpected changes to the program

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disconcert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disconcert are abash, discomfit, embarrass, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When is it sensible to use abash instead of disconcert?

The meanings of abash and disconcert largely overlap; however, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When can discomfit be used instead of disconcert?

The words discomfit and disconcert can be used in similar contexts, but discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When would embarrass be a good substitute for disconcert?

In some situations, the words embarrass and disconcert are roughly equivalent. However, embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

When might rattle be a better fit than disconcert?

Although the words rattle and disconcert have much in common, rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

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 disconcert The movie opens with a screening of his black-and-white movie, which disconcerts Tom because of its echoes of his own youth in this community. —Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025 But Musk is still training plenty of fire on the bill itself — a stance that is sure to disconcert GOP leaders. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 5 June 2025 The crush of business has been disconcerting but welcome. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 There is a directness to Salah which opponents find disconcerting. —Gregg Evans, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcert
  1. embarrass
  2. confuse
  3. fluster
  4. rattle
Verb
  • Look, the Yankees didn’t embarrass themselves in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • In the aftermath, the mother was angry for a week, accusing him of undermining her authority and embarrassing her in front of their social circle.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • Two people can deliver the same message, but their delivery style can make the difference between motivating and confusing a team.
    — Kendra MacDonald, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The snake is also easily confused with the Brahminy blind snake, also known as the flowerpot snake, an invasive species in Barbados, according to Re:wild.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Siegemund, 37, plays an unorthodox style of tennis that can leave opponents flustered.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2025
Definition of fluster
Verb
  • While the president is desperate for the Fed to cut interest rates, firing Powell before his term ends in eight months is no guarantee that rates would drop, and his departure would also likely rattle the financial markets.
    — Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Trump’s whiplash approach to threatening and imposing tariffs has at times rattled the markets.
    — Tara Suter, The Hill, 21 July 2025
Definition of rattle

Browse Nearby Words

discomposures
disconcert
disconcerted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcert. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of disconcert for Spanish Speakers

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