disconcerting 1 of 2

Definition of disconcertingnext

disconcerting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of disconcert

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 disconcerting
Adjective
There are plenty of inconveniences frequent air travelers have become accustomed to, from long security lines to shrinking overhead storage bins, but few are as disconcerting as heavy turbulence in flight. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026 About 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis, Mooresville residents report finding dirty water filters turning a disconcerting brown. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026 That alone would be disconcerting, but that the line (dubbed the Petrova Line, after the scientist who discovered it) seems to be linked to a new, gradual dimming of the sun? Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2026 The only disconcerting note for reigning champion Bayern was the withdrawal at halftime of Manuel Neuer. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 None of the emails unearthed so far appear to indicate criminal activity, but are—like the photos—disconcerting. Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 31 Jan. 2026 Here, the opening sentence is disconcerting because the speaker is coming back to a physical space, but is returning from an absence, which is not a physical space. Akhil Sharma, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026 Fitting a narrow criteria There’s a more disconcerting reason why so few applied — DeSantis’ exceedingly narrow preference for right-wing soulmates and fellow members of the Federalist Society. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026 Stray Hairs Stray hairs lingering in the tub drain, on the floor, or in the sink can be quite disconcerting. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
There’s a lot of disconcerting news about AI in journalism lately. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Mar. 2026 The news is disconcerting for nearby residents like Moody. Olivia Young, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026 As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for the rival Auburn Tigers ahead of Saturday’s Iron Bowl, the team received a bit of disconcerting news. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025 The code, though, is currently often replete with disconcerting troubles. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 This detail, at once tragic and comic, painfully human and stupidly bureaucratic, captures something essential about Schattenfroh, an extremely dark novel about the horrors of modern European history laced with the delirious, disconcerting humor of a Hieronymus Bosch painting. Book Marks september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 The young actor has a disconcerting awareness of the roiling potential of his changing body. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 Even without Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota’s size remains disconcerting to the Nuggets, especially when Aaron Gordon is out. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025 And disconcerting moments are in the show, such as the larger-than-life black widow spiders that dangle from the ceiling. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcerting
Adjective
  • But this can be pretty embarrassing.
    J.D. Miles, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Tiger Woods’ rollover crash last week and subsequent DUI charge near his Jupiter Island, Florida, home was shameful and embarrassing enough.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As if that wasn’t confusing enough, not all Christians agree on what day of the calendar that specific Sunday is.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026
  • However, following the path of Artemis II may be confusing as the astronauts, mission control and others use confusing jargon and phrases.
    ByMary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As this video below from The Athletic explains, the key to making Luis Enrique’s side uncomfortable in possession is to be brave and press high.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Sutskever seemed uncomfortable with this idea.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 6-foot-2 Strong — AP’s Player of the Year — was bothered by South Carolina’s interior size, with several of her inside shots rattling in and out.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Since strikes began in February, Iran has blocked tanker traffic through the strait, sending global energy prices surging and rattling financial markets.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mary Washington’s Kye Robinson attempted an awkward, off-balance shot that missed the rim and landed in the hands of teammate Colin Mitchell under the basket.
    Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Porsha shuts down any further messy conversations, choosing instead to focus on being a good host, ending the night with an awkward kiss with her fake boyfriend.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fitbits also feature silent alarms; the tracker will vibrate at a specific time and gently wake you up without disturbing others.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In March, as Sonko made his way to court to face the charges, he was arrested for disturbing public order after supporters rallied around him; his arrest sparked days of protests that resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The response from me is very unpleasant, and then my husband gets all uncomfortable.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Finally, a carbon filter is used to eliminate odors such as ammonia, cigarette smoke, hydrogen sulfide, and other pollutants that emit unpleasant smells.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There were also high-arcing 3-pointers that touched nothing but the net, a difficult runner through contact that went in, and the kind of gravity that gave Kristaps Porzingis a layup just by cutting into space while the big man dove.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Some things in life are difficult.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disconcerting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcerting. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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