TROUBLING Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

troubling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ

Definition of troubling

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

troubling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of trouble

as in worrying

to experience concern or anxiety don't trouble about me—I'll be fine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weighing

to cause discomfort to or trouble for I hate to trouble you, but would you mind moving for a minute so I can sweep under your chair?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 troubling

Adjective

Standing in the way is not just the tax-resistant nature of the region, however, but some troubling issues emerging within the county government — some of them self-inflicted. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026 Such hallucinatory citations are, according to judges and lawyers, troubling at a variety of levels, including for their threat to the integrity of the judicial system. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026

Verb

China is poised to win great swathes of the booming European EV market and that is troubling the automakers. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 But besides defiant behavior or anger issues, there are other behaviors that indicate that something deeper is troubling your teen. — Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for troubling

Adjective

There were many disturbing parts of Kerstin’s story left unpursued.

— William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 June 2026

Definition of disturbing

Verb

This common form of anxiety arises when dogs are left alone for an amount of time, often worrying that they will permanently be left behind.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Taken together, the actions signal a worrying return to a reality where people with disabilities are pushed to the margins of society, advocates said.

— Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of worrying

Verb

Wherever you’re headed, a crossbody phone case keeps your essentials close without weighing you down.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office described Wells as being a Black man standing about 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing about 180 pounds.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of weighing

Adjective

After all, Against Nature is all about the unsettling atmosphere and the senses.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2026
Seeking a fresh start, Ellie moves into a house on Delaney Row hoping to leave her troubled past behind, only to discover that her new home is steeped in dark secrets and unsettling mysteries.

— Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Definition of unsettling

Adjective

Spain are a more understated attacking unit, and there’s a sense that while Lamine Yamal has been excellent, there is another gear for the Barcelona 18-year-old to find, which is fairly frightening for everyone else.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.

— Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of frightening

Verb

Apprehensive about inconveniencing others by appointing Truss at Balmoral—a first in her 70-year reign—the monarch consulted her daughter the Princess Royal.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
And the students liked being able to listen to the material repeatedly without inconveniencing a human reader.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 6 Jan. 2026

Definition of inconveniencing

Browse Nearby Words

troublesome

troubling

troublous

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Style

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troubling. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of troubling

adjective

verb

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