disquiet 1 of 2

1
2

disquiet

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disquiet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disquiet are agitate, discompose, disturb, fluster, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

In what contexts can agitate take the place of disquiet?

While the synonyms agitate and disquiet are close in meaning, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

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

When might discompose be a better fit than disquiet?

Although the words discompose and disquiet have much in common, 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 is disturb a more appropriate choice than disquiet?

The words disturb and disquiet can be used in similar contexts, but disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to disquiet?

The meanings of fluster and disquiet largely overlap; however, fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When could perturb be used to replace disquiet?

The synonyms perturb and disquiet are sometimes interchangeable, but perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When can upset be used instead of disquiet?

The words upset and disquiet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 disquiet
Noun
For their part, workers who can't seem to quiet their own disquiet can incorporate self-care practices into their daily personal and professional routines. Jeffrey Marcus, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 As of right now, though, no such regs exist, and the SPA claimed this has played a large role in a growing disquiet among Australia’s TV and film production communities. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
David also was disquieted by his brother’s familiarity with the places that had been targeted by the Unabomber. Steve Chawkins, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2023 His Blackness disquieted the American ideals and sensibilities that proclaim us all equal. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 26 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for disquiet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disquiet
Noun
  • The turmoil at key U.S. agencies threatens everything from forecast quality to storm recovery.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, the federal government agencies responsible for forecasting and disaster relief are in turmoil.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Many consumers also have voiced concern about having to plug the vehicle in.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 28 May 2025
  • From the classic and shameful Hello Pervert campaign, attacks against Gmail users that claim their account is, oh the irony, being attacked by a hacker, and even concerns over President Trump’s tariff plans, all are employed in this way.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, in an email, said that he was alarmed by the decision to cut the funding, adding that many Missourians in need of behavioral health care come to Kansas City.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
  • The warning follows a concerning rise in measles cases nationally, with a significant outbreak in Texas that has alarmed public health officials.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Fuller had been watching the Continent’s social unrest for some time, and writing about it in the Tribune.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • His electoral campaign had centered on the promise of putting an end to the unrest in Donbas, which had been rumbling on for years.
    Anna Batta, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Such a low number spurred fears the ongoing trade war may finally be starting to affect the economy’s hard data.
    Paolo Confino, Fortune, 4 June 2025
  • Exploiting this vulnerability, 764 members tend to elicit fear by threatening to share a victim’s explicit or harmful content with family and friends or publicly online, ultimately forcing them to comply with their demands.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • These trends are causing 67% of the workforce to worry about the economy’s impact on their current jobs, according to the Workforce Pulse Survey from Remote.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • But don't worry about binoculars, don't worry about taking a picture.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The second important thing to say about the speculation around Doctor Who is that the drama’s key figures — including Gatwa himself — have done little to dispel the sense of unease.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Local police are investigating the incident as theft, while Sevnica officials expressed unease, saying Melania's image was never a source of pride for the town.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Giving into your kids to avoid your own feelings of stress and anxiety does more harm than good in the long run, says bestselling author and personal growth expert Mel Robbins.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 30 May 2025
  • More than 6 million have a parent with both a substance use disorder and significant symptoms of depression, anxiety or both.
    Ty Schepis, The Conversation, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disquiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disquiet. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disquiet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!