TROUBLOUS Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

troublous

adjective

ˈtrə-b(ə-)ləs

Definition of troublous

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety a troublous teen whose antisocial antics had us all on edge

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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 troublous Then there were the ghoulish figures of revolutionary adventurers, the Mexican painter with two pistols in his belt, the men who were carving themselves careers out of these troublous times. — John Dos Passos, National Review, 28 Sep. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for troublous

Adjective

The project follows a husband and wife who buy their dream ranch only to discover the land is alive with ancient spirits, and survival means submitting to increasingly disturbing rituals with each turn of the season.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
You might be surprised by just how disturbing The Texas Chain Saw Massacre remains more than 50 years later.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

That year, the head trainer of the Commanders was found to have been illegally distributing oxycodone to players — an unsettling reminder of the NFL's difficult history with painkillers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
The quirky robot is a notable departure from the more unsettling machines that typically make headlines today.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsettling

Adjective

Sergeant Ashley Smith, a police officer with 16 years of experience, published a TikTok video about the troubling criminal trend.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
Government borrowing similarly has been in the news as the national debt hit a troubling $40 trillion and counting.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of troubling

Adjective

Now a second Times report notes that concern over the choice of honoree has only become more troublesome since that first article was published a month ago.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Offensive line depth remains troublesome The lack of depth on the Dolphins’ offensive line has been problematic for the past decade because an offensive line is only as good as its weakest link.

— Omar Kelly August 24, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of troublesome

Adjective

The thoughts that accompany these conditions can be alarming and frightening, making many women reluctant to talk about them or seek help.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026
There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.

— Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of frightening

Browse Nearby Words

troubling

troublous

trough

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“Troublous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublous. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublous

adjective

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