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.

The Pakistani prime minister wrote he was "deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident."

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Unprofessional and disturbing as the claim may be, it also provides a hilarious example of how narcissists defeat themselves.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

“I certainly could not have imagined the twists and the disturbing turns that this race has taken,” Yee said as she announced she was dropping out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Famous in the 17th century for her bold, sometimes disturbing paintings, she was largely forgotten when Baroque opulence went out of style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Despite her vow to avoid this disturbing tale before bedtime, she had been unable to resist taking a peek.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

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