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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 Containment Zone The outer building is painted black on one side and white on the other, designed to look like a big box that was airdropped to keep everything inside from escaping and disturbing the real world. Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025 Researchers believe their approach could help resource managers working on marine conservation efforts and sustainable fishing practices, by listening to what the animals are doing, without disturbing them. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025 Twenty years later, an adult Guinevere is building her ghostwriting career when her estranged artist brother announces an installation titled Mother, which quells disturbing revelations in Guinevere. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 Don’t be disturbed by an authority figure that might suddenly pounce. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • This takes two seconds, and she doesn’t get bothered at all.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That deal was struck in lieu of a retaliatory capital tax on foreign investors that was passed in the House version of the bill but was later removed by the Senate.
    Tobias Burns, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The latest ruling for Google in the company's antitrust case will likely remove any overhang for Alphabet shares, Piper Sandler wrote Thursday.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, pollution accumulation and vessel noise disrupt their echolocation abilities, making hunting increasingly difficult.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Free of sulfates, fragrances, and dyes, the Gentle Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner won’t disrupt your scalp’s barrier.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Coliseum officials did weigh the possibility of sidestepping the permitting issue altogether — or at least letting the purchasers worry about it.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • As the respiratory virus season arrives, some still worry that so many statements and counter-statements about vaccines will ultimately create a chilling effect.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nicole stands about 5-foot-4, weighs about 200 pounds and has brown eyes and red hair.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Coliseum officials did weigh the possibility of sidestepping the permitting issue altogether — or at least letting the purchasers worry about it.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Henry gets distracted by a massive prison explosion, allowing Jonah to plunge a hidden knife into his chest.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • This might mean dropping a product line that’s profitable but distracts from your core business, or saying no to a good opportunity that isn’t aligned with your growth strategy.
    Minna Hu, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 27-year-old will relocate to Paris, SJ’s sister publication WWD reported, to oversee the creative side of shoes, leather goods and accessories.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Seydoux will lead the cast in the role of a renowned pianist who, after relocating with her family to the countryside, uncovers a life-shattering truth that forces her to confront the complexities of love, trust, and deception.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe Aer Lingus got confused when refunding your ticket.
    Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • That would be Black Rabbit, not to be confused with another Netflix original drama, Black Doves.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturb. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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