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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 Pacific Palisades neighborhoods were closed to the public for months after a January firestorm devastated the community, but since its recent reopening, there have been sightings of a new, disturbing visitor in the neighborhood: disaster tourists. Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025 Allan Mayer, the former co-chairman of American Apparel’s board, told The Guardian that an outside investigator had found videos and emails from the CEO on the company's server that were disturbing. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 July 2025 The presiding officer may order the removal of any person for disturbing a lawful meeting. Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 The Heisenberg uncertainty principle teaches us that observation disturbs the observed. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturb
Verb
  • There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.
    Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • Chisholm, the Yankees’ hottest hitter over the last month or so, has said that the shoulder bothers him more in the field than at the plate.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to remove the Johnson Amendment.
    Fatima Hussein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Why are passengers required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints?
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The Justice Department has filed similar prosecutions in recent years, as well as created an initiative aimed at disrupting the threat.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • As discussed ad nauseum Iran could disrupt shipping in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, but only partly and only for a brief period.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • When Test Track officially opens on July 22, guests will not have to worry about virtual queues.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • Mellinger now worries the department will not be able to meet its five-year goals for key performance indicators, which measure progress on the county’s biggest public health challenges.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Subramanian told the five alternate jurors to remain on standby in case they're needed to fill in on the main jury who are weighing charges that could put the hip-hop mogul in prison for life.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2025
  • In 1979, Carter was weighing whether to let the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, come to the United States to receive medical care.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The president’s critics, meanwhile, accuse him of using the scandal to distract from stalled reforms and growing public dissatisfaction.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • While the housing bill got lost among numerous priorities during this year’s legislative session, top leaders are now laser-focused on the issue and will not be distracted.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Gang members have forced government offices and agencies to relocate, affecting access to essential services and accelerating the country’s economic collapse.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • The mom was relocated overnight to another location, and later that morning, police received another 911 call — this time from the mother.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • O’Brien says his critics might be confused because of the novelty of his approach.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturb. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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