perturb

verb

pər-ˈtərb How to pronounce perturb (audio)
Definition of perturbnext
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy the caller's strange remark perturbed me enough to keep me awake that night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perturb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perturb are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, fluster, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

In what contexts can agitate take the place of perturb?

Although the words agitate and perturb have much in common, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

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

When would discompose be a good substitute for perturb?

While the synonyms discompose and perturb are close in meaning, 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 disquiet a more appropriate choice than perturb?

While in some cases nearly identical to perturb, disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When can disturb be used instead of perturb?

In some situations, the words disturb and perturb are roughly equivalent. However, 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 perturb?

The words fluster and perturb can be used in similar contexts, but fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When might upset be a better fit than perturb?

The meanings of upset and perturb largely overlap; however, 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 perturb The deal for Wirtz alone is so astronomical that Manchester City and Bayern Munich were perturbed. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The real cherry on top with the forthcoming encounter is that Apophis will be perturbed by Earth's gravitational pull. —ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025 That unanswered question perturbed Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025 But VMware users may also be perturbed to find themselves without a VMware solution provider. —ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for perturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perturb
  1. disturb
  2. distract
  3. bother
  4. alarm
  5. worry
  6. unsettle
  7. concern
  8. agitate
Verb
  • Signs on the fence that surrounds the property warn of large fines for disturbing the site, which is the subject of investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cal-OSHA.
    — Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
  • In 2005, an anonymous tipster sent the family disturbing images of a woman from an adult website based in the Caribbean.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • As the plant grows around it, the support becomes almost invisible and does not distract from the plant's beauty.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.
    — Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
Definition of distract
Verb
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    — Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
Definition of bother
Verb
  • In an interview with an internal affairs investigator, Pascua said she wasn’t alarmed by Elisa’s fall.
    — Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Those of us frustrated or alarmed about the scope of the Trump administration’s immigration raids must unequivocally condemn violence against government workers and law enforcement.
    — Dallas Morning News, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Definition of alarm
Verb
  • Buying back-to-school supplies can be challenging for families, so organizations and companies across Phoenix are hosting backpack and school supply giveaways to ensure that no student has to worry about being ready for the school year.
    — Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
  • Consider buying bottles with pumps so guests don't have to worry about unscrewing lids and pouring the syrups in their drinks.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Definition of worry
Verb
  • The Almanac said the Southwest, including California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, could experience unsettled, showery conditions on Halloween this year.
    — Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
  • By the late 1800s, in one of their many acts of unsettling America’s natural balance, white men had hunted wolves and mountain lions to extinction in the East.
    — Helen Whybrow July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Definition of unsettle
Verb
  • While some prominent voices have praised Harvard’s response, prospective students may be concerned about the potential ramifications of this ongoing dispute.
    — Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The traffic alert was reported Thursday at 4:38 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Thursday at 4:47 p.m. Crash update: I-40/US-71 There is a crash on northbound I-40/US-71 between MO-150 and Main Street.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Definition of concern
Verb
  • The strength being shown is also predicated on confidence within Newcastle that Isak is happy at the club and will not agitate to leave.
    — Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Groups are agitating for federal policymakers to revise station ownership rules, which cap ownership at a total reach of 39% of the U.S.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 July 2025
Definition of agitate

Browse Nearby Words

pertness
perturb
perturbable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perturb. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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