disturbing
adjective
dis·turb·ing
di-ˈstər-biŋ 
: causing feelings of worry, concern, or anxiety
disturbing news
a disturbing discovery
The next phase in which I had a part was even more disturbing, and infinitely more painful.—
Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker
disturbingly
adverb
disturbingly high levels of pollution
a disturbingly familiar problem
… the texture of ordinary life and talk has taken on a disturbingly ambiguous quality …
—Jonathan Raban
Jonathan Raban
Synonyms
Examples of disturbing in a Sentence
a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study
there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name
a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption
a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery
Recent Examples on the Web
With wood paneling, a normal amount of clutter, and a humble stained glass panel in the window, the couple’s house provides a humdrum backdrop that foils the disturbing events that take place inside.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024
Last year, Kennedy Jr. reportedly texted the disturbing image to a friend who was traveling to Asia, saying the person would probably enjoy a restaurant in Korea that had dog meat on the menu.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 2 July 2024
Howard University also rescinded an honorary degree that was awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name following the release of the disturbing video involving Cassie.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 June 2024
In addition, the noise of carpenter bees can be disturbing, and their presence often attracts unwanted woodpeckers that cause additional damage while hunting for bee larvae.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for disturbing 
Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024
Last year, Kennedy Jr. reportedly texted the disturbing image to a friend who was traveling to Asia, saying the person would probably enjoy a restaurant in Korea that had dog meat on the menu.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 2 July 2024
Howard University also rescinded an honorary degree that was awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name following the release of the disturbing video involving Cassie.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 June 2024
In addition, the noise of carpenter bees can be disturbing, and their presence often attracts unwanted woodpeckers that cause additional damage while hunting for bee larvae.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for disturbing
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disturbing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Disturbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disturbing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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