unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles
Synonyms of unsettlenext

transitive verb

1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose
Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.

intransitive verb

: to become unsettled

Synonyms of unsettle

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Examples of unsettle in a Sentence

Such a sudden change will unsettle her. the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the room behind Achane still unsettled, Miami enters camp looking for someone to make a jump. — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 However unsettling these jactitations appear, the open world remains the happiest and freest place to live. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Warner offers little comfort to executives unsettled by last week’s events. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 June 2026 One concern is parents of autistic children, who often have gastrointestinal issues, though the science linking those issues to autism is unsettled. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsettle

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettle was in 1598

Rhymes for unsettle

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Browse Nearby Words

unsetting
unsettle
unsettled
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Cite this Entry

“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unsettle

verb
un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettle

Nglish: Translation of unsettle for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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