disturbance

[dih-stur-buhns] / dɪˈstɜr bəns /

NOUN

commotion; upset

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brawl confusion disorder disruption eruption explosion fracas interruption riot shock storm tremor turmoil upheaval uprising violence

STRONG

agitation annoyance bother brouhaha clamor convulsion derangement disarrangement distraction ferment fisticuffs flap fray fuss hindrance hubbub hullabaloo insurrection intrusion molestation perturbation quake quarrel racket rampage restlessness ruckus rumble spasm stink stir to-do tumult uproar

WEAK

big scene big stink

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm harmony method order organization peace system

STRONG

agreement aid calmness contentedness happiness help pleasure

WEAK

quiet tranquility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There "wasn't evidence of any disturbance in the flat," they added.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"Sea mines and other explosive devices can cause acoustic disturbance impacting sea mammals and other animals, and blast damage to natural undersea structures such as reefs," Weir said.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Titan's current orbit, which is slightly elongated but gradually becoming more circular, also hints at a relatively recent disturbance consistent with a past merger.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

But sometimes a disturbance can cause the polar vortex to stretch like a rubber band.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

Men and women wanted to inspect her, to be close to her, to try to find what caused the disturbance she distributed so subtly.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Vocabulary lists containing disturbance

Word Generation Science - Life Science

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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Nothing But the Truth

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!