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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

  • disquietingly adverb
  • self-disquieting adjective

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

Great artists major in defiance and minor in delusion: You will want to see what I have to offer, and love it, even if it is unfamiliar, disquieting and as ravishingly uncommercial as “Architecton.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

For centuries, mythology looked to gods to explain a disquieting world.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2025

The revolts in the West Indies and disquieting incidents closer to home worried the local planters.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead