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Definition of disquietnext
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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
The work’s first movement captures a dreamlike quality, intersecting childlike wonder with an element of disquiet. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026 That disquiet is all merely a footnote now, though. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Verb
Her images of ice blocks, lush fabrics, cherries, sea animals, and charred hearts are disquieting in the best way and well worth trekking to Santa Monica to witness in person. Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026 The subjects say rending but also disquieting things about killing. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • So then this kind of social turmoil also with the economic turmoil, inflation was really, really high for a number of years in the '90s.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • First signs of turmoil emerged in July last year, when LuisaViaRoma revealed plans to streamline its business operations by shutting its unit and office in Milan.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The iPhone’s success, however, has satisfied some of those concerns for now, especially since Apple can partner with other companies like Google to use their AI models.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Anne Arundel County has said the safety concerns stemmed from unpermitted construction work in the building's underground parking garage.
    Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Here’s what should alarm anyone who cares about process, not just outcomes.
    A.J. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2026
  • The incident has alarmed the world, but perhaps no one more so than AI safety experts who have warning about these kinds of dangers for years and urging companies and governments to adopt more safeguards.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • The killing sparked nationwide unrest, with cartel members erecting highway blockades and setting fire to vehicles and buildings across 20 Mexican states.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Haiti is on the State Department’s do not travel list — owing to such hazards as crime, kidnapping, terrorism and unrest.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • However, analyst Gavin Parsons highlighted that an acceleration in organic revenue growth would settle market fears.
    Assiatou Hann, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Herzog raised fears that the mayor’s rhetoric stokes hate against Jews, including in New York City, which holds the largest Jewish population of any city in the United States.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Mint Julep Experiences has built its business around making those trips easy, and the new Buffalo Bus gives travelers a straightforward way to visit one of Kentucky's most famous distilleries without having to worry about logistics.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • What’s more, the property’s Pooch Program offers dog sitters and walkers (for a fee) as part of its concierge service, so pet parents can enjoy everything the iconic hotel has to offer without worrying about what to do with their pup.
    Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Shares of Google parent Alphabet were around 4% lower in premarket trading, but that primarily reflected investor unease over rising AI spending outlined in the company's earnings report on Wednesday.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • There’s understandably a lot of unease and a lot of complaint.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The headlines often focus on uber-selective colleges and universities, the lengths students and parents will go to access them, and the parts of the process of applying that evoke the most anxiety.
    Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most dreadful packing pain points is the anxiety of whether everything will actually fit in your suitcase, which, thankfully, my Away Bigger Carry-on has eliminated.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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