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.

The technique is becoming increasingly popular in wildlife research because it allows scientists to study animals without disturbing them.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

And on that disturbing note, we've reached the end of the list.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

When Max Wolf Friedlich wrote “Job,” which undergoes tonal shifts and ends in a disturbing place, he said he used well-placed jokes to cut the tension.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

"Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event," Carney wrote on X.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Robert McNamara, secretary of defense during the crisis, came to what I consider to be a far more disturbing conclusion.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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