disturbing

[dih-stur-bing] / dɪˈstɜr bɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

disquieting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarming annoying bothersome creepy depressing disconcerting discouraging distressing embarrassing frightening irritating ominous painful perplexing sinister startling threatening troublesome troubling unpleasant unsettling upsetting vexing worrisome worrying

STRONG

aggravating agitating discommoding discomposing dismaying foreboding harassing impeding perturbing provoking trying

WEAK

burdensome consequential difficult disagreeable discomforting gloomy hard inconvenient irksome laborious onerous pessimistic prophetic severe tiresome toilsome uncertain wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable auspicious comforting delightful easy encouraging good happy helpful nice pleasant pleasing

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.

"They are deeply disturbing and traumatising to view," she added.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

After a long decline spanning decades, the share of teens working summer jobs is expected to hit a record low this year — a disturbing trend that can have ominous repercussions for their future earnings.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

While some described the former Marine as a kind and supportive partner, others detailed disturbing conduct.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

The typhoon was not only reshaping conditions at the ocean's surface but also disturbing layers of the atmosphere many miles overhead.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

For the second time in less than twenty-four hours I had the disturbing sensation that I was melting, and a second later, I opened my eyes at the Academy.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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