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.

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

Peter Doomanis backed up Carpenter’s claims against Applegate and said that the man poses a serious “and escalating” threat to the singer, and has “developed a disturbing and irrational fixation” on the pop star.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

The original image was accompanied by a short piece of anonymous text, warning readers against stumbling into its disturbing parallel world.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

These are deeply disturbing flaws that don’t show up on the marble statues that honor these men.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

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