Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for disquieting. Search instead for squinting.
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."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

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

Susan Choi’s novels, like the Pulitzer Prize finalist “American Woman” and “My Education,” are often disquieting books aimed at leaving readers unsettled about the choices we make in life.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

All in all, it was a disquieting episode.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "disquieting" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com