perturbation

noun

ˌpər-tər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce perturbation (audio)
Definition of perturbationnext
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble in her perturbation she kept calling her son, a freshman, to see if everything was all right at college

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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 perturbation By comparing the forward and backward series of operations, the new algorithm can see the effects of this perturbation throughout the molecule and so model the molecule as a whole. — IEEE Spectrum, 21 Oct. 2025 Rigid wings experienced abrupt destabilization, while passive soft wings without sensing and control struggled to recover from larger flow perturbations. — Etiido Uko march 09, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2026 Adopt differential privacy or output perturbation (though this can degrade usefulness). — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 In the canonical metaphorical example, a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, and the cascading sequence of atmospheric perturbations leads to a tornado in Texas. — Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perturbation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perturbation
  1. fear
  2. concern
  3. anxiety
  4. worry
  5. unease
Noun
  • Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Our country right now is mired in a level of bullying and intolerance that, for some, might feed their fears, but won’t feed their family.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of fear
Noun
  • To use available resources to block line of sight from the American Glass Research International complex to Trump, despite identifying this line of sight as a concern.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Over in the geopolitical front, fresh escalating tensions draw concern as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble jets while Finland restricted airspace.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of concern
Noun
  • And at times members of the congregation thank her and others for casting aside those anxieties and keeping this place going.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Elevation invites visitors to carve wishes, worries, and hopes into the church pews.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • To convey the family’s internal unease, Cárdenas landed on a number of devices that were subtle but significant in terms of changing the optics of the series.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 July 2026
  • Declassified British documents from the 1960s revealed government unease over the presence of the micronation, as well as eventually shelved plans to bomb it.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Definition of unease

Browse Nearby Words

perturbable
perturbation
perturbed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on perturbation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perturbation

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