1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unpaid
not yet paid
I keep unsettled bills next to the checkbook
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pending
not yet settled or decided
we can't move on as long as this important question remains unsettled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
I'm still unsettled about whether I should take that job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in disturbed
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 unsettled
Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Kardashian met Odom’s overt warmth with unsettled feelings about their tumultuous past.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
Next week will also be unsettled with a chance of showers Tuesday through Friday.
—Tammie Souza, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsettled
Adjective
But no one reading the book will come away with the sense that studies are often contested, or that many of the findings of social psychology and economics remain unsettled, or that results can be interpreted in many ways.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Kardashian met Odom’s overt warmth with unsettled feelings about their tumultuous past.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
Bay Area institutions, including San Francisco Ballet, have withdrawn from Kennedy Center engagements, part of a broader exodus that has thinned programming and unsettled the arts community.
—Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
Next week will also be unsettled with a chance of showers Tuesday through Friday.
—Tammie Souza, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsettled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsettled
Adjective
-
Deterring Pests Another companion planting strategy is to interplant crops with plants that produce volatile chemicals such as strong odors that confuse pests.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
-
As a result, expect the stock market to remain volatile next week as updates on the Iran war continue to roll through.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In recent weeks, private companies were able to avoid the large-scale absences some airports that use TSA staff were struggling with as their employees went unpaid during the partial government shutdown.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
-
In the midst of a restitution battle, records show that Kilpatrick is at risk of losing a home in Novi over more than $50,000 in unpaid property taxes.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Georgia's access problems alarmed state officials enough to prompt pending legislation calling for children to be removed from the plan and put back on other Medicaid plans.—
Andrew Jones,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
There are at least three more pending investigations that are still outstanding, according to OSHA’s website, and Boring Company is currently contesting eight citations it was issued regarding chemical burns in 2024.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Louise had always felt unsure of how to interact with the eldest daughter.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Kelly Wachel, the district’s chief communications officer, told The Star that Park Hill is unsure what a second, broader limit to property tax revenue could mean for their schools if approved by voters.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Dogs should not be disturbed while resting, as undisturbed sleep is important for their wellbeing.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
In the show's latest season, multiple cast members wonder if the pair are getting back together, with Wilson being notably disturbed when approached by costar Jesse Solomon about possibly kissing Miller if given the chance.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Air travelers are paying the price of the shutdown with unpredictable, snaking TSA lines at airports across the country, jeopardizing their chances to pass through security on time for their flights.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The show won nine Emmys during its run, including an outstanding comedy series win and an outstanding lead actress award for O’Hara, both in 2020.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The special coins recognize those over the age of 70 for outstanding service to their communities, and the number of recipients matches the age of the monarch.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Their feelings develop quietly, the burn paired with intellectual restraint, their romance remaining unresolved until far into the novel.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
-
While the budget is balanced on paper, the underlying problems remain unresolved.—
Jason Gallion,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsettled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsettled. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
