disquiet 1 of 2

1
2

disquiet

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disquiet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disquiet are agitate, discompose, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

In what contexts can agitate take the place of disquiet?

While the synonyms agitate and disquiet are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When might discompose be a better fit than disquiet?

Although the words discompose and disquiet have much in common, 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 is disturb a more appropriate choice than disquiet?

The words disturb and disquiet can be used in similar contexts, but disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to disquiet?

The meanings of fluster and disquiet largely overlap; however, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disquiet?

The synonyms perturb and disquiet are sometimes interchangeable, but perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When can upset be used instead of disquiet?

The words upset and disquiet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 disquiet
Noun
And yet there have been signs of disquiet in the Python kingdom. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024 Those were healing gestures at a time of deep disquiet. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
Verb
His Blackness disquieted the American ideals and sensibilities that proclaim us all equal. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 26 May 2023 There are many conservatives, in politics and the media, who are disquieted about what DeSantis has done, vis-à-vis Disney. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 8 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • The changes upended precedent and rattled a media company that has already been shaken by years of turmoil and leadership turnover.
    Liam Reilly, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, last week brought further turmoil to the crypto sector when leading exchange ByBit reported a $1.5 billion theft—the largest in industry history.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, these concerns appear to be brought to Musk's attention recently.
    Emily Chang, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Mexico began producing its own form of exploitation films, including an uptick in movies reflecting concerns about drug trafficking and violence.
    Daniella Mazzio, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Reports that Paramount Global is considering a financial settlement on the Trump federal lawsuit have alarmed journalists within CBS News and beyond.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
  • But his approach to doing so has alarmed many U.S. allies, as his administration recently opened up talks with Russia and signalled openness to peace talks that could potentially embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and sideline Ukraine.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Political tensions rise over resource allocation, with social unrest more frequent.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Pro-Palestinian sentiments still run strong among the peoples of the region, and history has proven how civil unrest can quickly lead to instability even in nominally stable nations.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Soft signals about the economy The pullback in spending comes at a time when American consumers are growing increasingly pessimistic on fears that inflation will pick up because of President Donald Trump’s talk of wide-ranging tariffs, according to various surveys.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • How to Get Around With most of Grenada's hotels and resorts clustered around areas like Grand Anse Beach and St. George's, many visitors won't need to worry about transportation for most of their trip.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Immigrants worry about what happens next Without her, and with ongoing threats togovernment health care programs, Julia worries her clients would be left uncared for.
    Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • However, the romantic narrative is punctuated by subtle moments of unease, each barely perceptible on its own but which, taken together, build into something rather more sinister.
    Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • More than a year later, the campus remains in a state of bewildered unease.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the film, Shear stars as Sam, a once-promising law student whose anxiety has slowly chipped away at his confidence in all areas of his life.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
  • One possibility is anxiety, which, according to Kaiser, feeds on avoidance.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 7 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disquiet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!