disturbing

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​turb·​ing di-ˈstər-biŋ How to pronounce disturbing (audio)
Synonyms of disturbingnext
: causing feelings of worry, concern, or anxiety
disturbing news
a disturbing discovery
The next phase in which I had a part was even more disturbing, and infinitely more painful.—Bram Stoker
disturbingly
di-ˈstər-biŋ-lē How to pronounce disturbing (audio)
adverb
disturbingly high levels of pollution
a disturbingly familiar problem
… the texture of ordinary life and talk has taken on a disturbingly ambiguous quality … —Jonathan Raban

disturbing

2 of 2

present participle of disturb

Synonyms of disturbing

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Adjective

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Examples of disturbing in a Sentence

Adjective a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Many of the messages, however disturbing, are protected speech under the First Amendment. — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 It should also be said that there’s some fairly outsize violence along the way, particularly during the combat scenes, plus other potentially disturbing bits of mayhem that may be too extreme for younger children. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 The disturbing allegations have created a rift across families. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026 Today's verdict holds the defendant accountable for his disturbing conduct and sends a clear message that those who prey on vulnerable passengers will face justice. — Gustavo Atencio Flores, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disturbing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disturbing was in 1594

Phrases Containing disturbing

Rhymes for disturbing

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Browse Nearby Words

disturber
disturbing
disturbingly
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Cite this Entry

“Disturbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disturbing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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