derange

verb

di-ˈrānj How to pronounce derange (audio)
Definition of derangenext
1
as in to disturb
to cause to go insane or as if insane being stranded at night on a lonely road would derange anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of the storage room had all been deranged by the earthquake, and it took hours to sort things out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of derange Gabriel going missing proves to be deranging to Caroline, and the novel becomes increasingly deranged with her. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 The political landscape is horrifying, distracting, deranged and unhinged. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026 This series is the gripping tale of Paul’s real-time investigation into four murders related to Joe Naso, pitting one of America’s best detectives against one of its most prolific and deranged serial killers. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026 Only sick, demented, or deranged people in the House or Senate could vote against THE SAVE AMERICA ACT. — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derange
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derange
  1. disturb
  2. disrupt
  3. bother
  4. confuse
  5. unbalance
  6. unhinge
  7. distract
  8. unsettle
Verb
  • He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.
    — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026
  • The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of disrupt
Verb
  • Playing against such younger competition doesn’t bother Crawford.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Install Fencing If all deterrents fail and snakes continue to bother you, consider installing a 2- to 3-foot fence around your property.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 6 July 2026
Definition of bother
Verb
  • That is important because a boxy robotaxi that can drive both ways may confuse pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • One of the biggest mistakes students make is confusing a loan approval with an affordability recommendation.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • The risk is that only a handful of clubs will be able to cough up those sums, unbalancing the market.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 19 May 2026
  • Imagine the wartime use of leaflets that were dropped in large quantities over battlefields, or onto townships, and contained a single message that was intended to mentally unbalance large numbers of citizens or soldiers.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of unbalance
Verb
  • Unfortunately, neighbor Sandy (Kelsey Pribilski) is unhinged and has some opinions about Sarah’s potential changes to the property, and things get dark quickly.
    — William Earl, Variety, 23 June 2026
  • Others’ unhinged ignorance can be fun.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
Definition of unhinge
Verb
  • Now back in King’s Landing, Corlys is distracted at best, meeting with Rhaenyra’s small council to address the crown’s nonexistent funds — the latest on a long list of problems that need solving for the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • The 5-foot-4 Italian tried not to let the presence of the record eight-time men's singles champion distract her.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of distract
Verb
  • The finale may leave viewers feeling unsettled, but the show has already been renewed for a second season.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026
  • Widespread haze from wildfire smoke in Colorado and Utah will also filter into the region at times, potentially reducing visibility and adding to already unsettled atmospheric conditions.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of unsettle

Browse Nearby Words

derails
derange
deranged
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Cite this Entry

“Derange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derange. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on derange

Nglish: Translation of derange for Spanish Speakers

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