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Synonyms

disquieting

American  
[dis-kwahy-i-ting] / dɪsˈkwaɪ ɪ tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing anxiety or uneasiness; disturbing.

    disquieting news.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of disquieting

First recorded in 1570–80; disquiet + -ing 2

Explanation

When something really upsets or worries you, you can describe it as disquieting. The very best horror movies are supposed to be disquieting. Scary TV shows and books are disquieting, and even the local news or a documentary can be a bit disquieting, making you feel uncomfortable or rattled. In other words, they upset you with disturbing ideas, images, or subjects. You could also describe disquieting things as unsettling or distressing. The Latin roots are dis, "not," and quies, "peace."

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Vocabulary lists containing disquieting

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 movie’s real draw is its blissfully sinister sound design, which utilizes the podcaster lifestyle to go full maximalist while the film’s visual landscape remains sparse and disquieting.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

It was those influencers I found most disquieting during my time in Tucson.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

A seemingly endless flurry of disquieting geopolitical headlines continues to sap investors’ risk appetite.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Lines such as “I love to count, it relaxes me and it gives me an achievable goal” point at a disquieting loneliness without going overboard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

As I grasped onto the leather hoop hanging from the rods overhead, my skin prickled with the disquieting sense of being watched.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

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