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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disturb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disturb are agitate, discompose, disquiet, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

When is it sensible to use agitate instead of disturb?

In some situations, the words agitate and disturb are roughly equivalent. However, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

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

When is discompose a more appropriate choice than disturb?

The synonyms discompose and disturb are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 can disquiet be used instead of disturb?

The meanings of disquiet and disturb largely overlap; however, disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When would fluster be a good substitute for disturb?

While the synonyms fluster and disturb are close in meaning, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disturb?

Although the words perturb and disturb have much in common, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

In what contexts can upset take the place of disturb?

The words upset and disturb can be used in similar contexts, but 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 disturb The following story contains graphic language that may disturb some readers. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 Warren called his sister and was disturbed by their short conversation. Johnny Dodd, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Gardeners and landscapers alike use them to keep unwanted plants at bay without disturbing their beloved greenery. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025 Padilla was disturbed by Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism. Kate Wolffe, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.
    Paul Sisson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The obvious motive The administration hardly bothered to pretend that Brown (whose distinguished military and academic career includes a masters’ degree in in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach).wasn’t fired for being Black.
    Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • By removing cost as an initial hurdle, companies can cast a wider net, reaching customers who might otherwise hesitate to make a purchase.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Hansi Flick turned towards the bench and energetically removed his black jacket.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), individuals may not block access to sidewalks or buildings, disrupt counterprotests, or engage in speech that is obscene, makes knowingly false statements of fact, or incites immediate violence or dangerous disturbances.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Every year, earthquakes claim victims and cost billions in direct economic loss, damaging or destroying homes, tearing down infrastructure, rendering production sites inoperable, and disrupting transport lines.
    David Bressan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 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
Verb
  • The judge weighed several factors in determining whether to send Syed back to prison as required under the Juvenile Restoration Act.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
  • As always, weigh the cost-benefit analysis of the shortcut.
    Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Have we been distracted too much by all the verbal fireworks this season from CK, Phillip, and Seychelle to notice that Lete is an absolute assassin out there?
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Grave screamed for help, but security personnel were distracted by the game and not paying attention, the lawsuit said.
    Louis Casiano, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • By imposing high import taxes, the administration hopes to incentivize companies to relocate their manufacturing operations back to American soil.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The rise of remote work during the health emergency allowed an influx of newcomers to relocate to Florida, bringing up demand for homes and encouraging builders to increase production.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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