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 technique is becoming increasingly popular in wildlife research because it allows scientists to study animals without disturbing them.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

But human rights activists speak of disturbing patterns.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

When Max Wolf Friedlich wrote “Job,” which undergoes tonal shifts and ends in a disturbing place, he said he used well-placed jokes to cut the tension.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

He rested his arms on the front seat and leaned forward so he could whisper to his father without disturbing the sleep of the others.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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