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.

So the only reasonable charge was violating the city ordinance against disturbing “the peace of others by violent, offensive or boisterous conduct or language,” but that was tacked on later, in February.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

“We were both relieved we finished the story, but that’s within this really difficult, complicated, disturbing context,” Sheen said in an interview last year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

But perhaps more disturbing is “Kevin,” now on Prime Video.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the case was deeply disturbing and a serious breach of trust.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

“Garth. You’ve been acting strangely lately. You never got into trouble at all until two weeks ago. Now you’re shooting rubber bands at people and disturbing the entire class. Can you tell me why?”

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney

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