DISTURBANCE Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

disturbance

noun

di-ˈstər-bən(t)s

Definition of disturbance

as in commotion

a state of noisy, confused activity went to investigate the disturbance outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disruption

an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed caused a disturbance in the carefully ordered proceedings

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in harassment

the act of making unwelcome intrusions upon another the assistant apologized for the disturbance and got straight to the point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of disturbance Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating can also affect emotional well-being, and for some women, these symptoms can interfere with everyday activities and quality of life. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The man, whose name and age the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately release, was involved in a disturbance at the business in the 2500 block of NE 36th Street. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 At the time, it was reported that security was called to Sheen’s room following an apparent disturbance. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Oct. 2026 While all of Saturday will be dry, skies will trend partly to mostly cloudy as the cloud shield with Isaias and an upper-level disturbance spread into the region. — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disturbance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disturbance

Noun

In the commotion, she was briefly separated from her 85-year-old mother, who lives with her.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
That allowed passengers to hear the commotion and discover what was happening.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of commotion

Noun

But then shipping disruptions, rising fuel costs, and steep international tariffs made exporting increasingly difficult, prompting Yu to turn her attention to building a domestic market.

— Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Ukraine experienced several disruptions with its Starshield satellite network in recent history.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of disruption

Noun

Six Lincoln-Way students accused of racial harassment were ultimately allowed to withdraw from the school game incident, instead of being expelled.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
The Board of Regents will vote Thursday on changes to the Title IX policy, which governs harassment and discrimination.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of harassment

Noun

That's especially prevalent in the Oversized Graphic T-Shirt with enigmatic dates on the back -- those are already causing a stir in the fan community.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
The Grammy winner’s online feud with Art of Play has caused quite a stir on the internet over the past few days.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of stir

Noun

In the ensuing political turmoil, health workers went on strike, vaccine orders were delayed and follow-up vaccinations that usually accompany routine programs were disrupted.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Nationwide protests over the high cost of living roiled France on Saturday, adding to turmoil over public spending and debt ahead of a critical vote in the National Assembly.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of turmoil

Noun

Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Jahkeem Stewart played after being listed as a game-time decision on the injury report and recorded a quarterback hurry.

— Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurry

Noun

Stewart and Addyman meanwhile surveyed more than 2,000 parents to identify noises their babies responded to, which included animal sounds and other children’s laughter (both of which feature in the song).

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
North Crowley continues impressive season Ahead of the season, North Crowley was expected to make some noise.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of noise

Noun

Save as a collection on MyRecipes Pasta night is always a good idea—especially when dinner comes together with big flavor and minimal fuss.

— Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2026
There’s something classic about a plate of buffalo wings in front of a TV playing football, and this gets you there without any fuss.

— Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of fuss

Browse Nearby Words

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disturbance

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“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disturbance. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of disturbance

noun

Example Sentences

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