Definitions

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.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the case was deeply disturbing, adding they were "launching a safeguarding review on digital devices and CCTV", with new guidance due in the autumn.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Around 2:45 a.m. there was more disturbing news.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

This group has so far never met a decline not worth buying, or difficult market conditions without a silver lining, which raises a disturbing question: What horror must occur to scare them?

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

A new study of Neanderthal remains from a cave in Belgium is shedding light on a disturbing aspect of prehistoric life.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

As sad as she felt about disturbing the last moments of Father Cham's life, she was anxious to get all of this underway.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Vocabulary lists containing disturbing

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