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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.

A week on, the noise and energy have ebbed, giving way to a rare, disquieting calm in a capital usually thronging with 10 million people.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 23, 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

By refusing to commit to a disquieting atmosphere, Cregger dulls his provocation, making “Weapons” feel timid, even flippant, in the face of a genuine American crisis.

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2025

Even for a man so little given to intuition as he was, the dark mansion was disquieting: it seemed to hold a hidden monster.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

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