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 photos of the tearing down of the East Wing were upsetting because they felt like a metaphor for the idea that history itself can be made to disappear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Doctors at the hospital have previously told BBC Scotland News that the protests, which have been held outside the hospital for nearly 10 years, were upsetting and intimidating for patients and staff.

From BBC • May 15, 2025

“His remarks were upsetting, unacceptable and unfair to his co-hosts, and ultimately a huge distraction to the great work of this organization,” Mr. Licht told staff at the time.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Pandemic closures were upsetting for any venue, but these were cornerstones for LGBTQ+ communities, and there was no indication if or when they would ever come back.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2022

There were other things, too, that were upsetting me at the time.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok