upsetting

[uhp-set-ing] / ʌpˈsɛt ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

disturbing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarming annoying bothersome creepy depressing disconcerting discouraging disquieting disruptive distressing embarrassing frightening inconvenient irritating painful startling threatening tiresome troublesome troubling trying unpleasant vexing worrisome worrying

STRONG

aggravating agitating discommoding discomposing dismaying foreboding harassing impeding perplexing perturbing provoking unsettling

WEAK

burdensome consequential difficult disagreeable discomforting distressful gloomy hard intrusive irksome laborious ominous onerous pessimistic prophetic severe sinister toilsome troublous uncertain wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable calming comforting convenient delightful easy encouraging facile good happy helpful nice pleasant pleasing settling soothing

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.

Could my beloved Pixar, which had already anthropomorphized so many things, really make something so upsetting and perplexing, and on so many levels?

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

The well-dressed Senate aide next door, who asked me not to use his name for fear of upsetting his boss, hadn’t heard about Trump’s fascination with Florsheim.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

"It's upsetting that they are putting such a weight on the gender of the main role rather than thinking about this as a continuation of a story we're already really invested in."

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

One night he treated friends to shrimp, clams, fried potatoes and ouzo on the waterfront, upsetting elderly, likely famished, passersby.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

“Well, honey, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen the game make someone this upset. Maybe y’all should just let it be for a little while if it’s upsetting you, okay?”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

upsetting

Example Sentences

Related Words