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 stranger and more disturbing an incident was, the faster you needed to forget it again.”

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Only male hedgehogs are chosen to avoid disturbing nesting females.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

So the only reasonable charge was violating the city ordinance against disturbing “the peace of others by violent, offensive or boisterous conduct or language,” but that was tacked on later, in February.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Kapelovitz focuses on felony defense, though he handles “everything from disturbing the peace to murder” for a client base that is 90% indigent.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 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

Vocabulary lists containing disturbing

May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Mockingbird

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Liar & Spy

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!