disconcert

verb

ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt How to pronounce disconcert (audio)
Definition of disconcertnext
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress we were disconcerted by the unexpected changes to the program

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disconcert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disconcert are abash, discomfit, embarrass, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When is it sensible to use abash instead of disconcert?

The meanings of abash and disconcert largely overlap; however, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When can discomfit be used instead of disconcert?

The words discomfit and disconcert can be used in similar contexts, but discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When would embarrass be a good substitute for disconcert?

In some situations, the words embarrass and disconcert are roughly equivalent. However, embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

When might rattle be a better fit than disconcert?

Although the words rattle and disconcert have much in common, rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disconcert The line between the two is seamless and not at all disconcerting. —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025 The young actor has a disconcerting awareness of the roiling potential of his changing body. —Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 The first 10 minutes of USC’s NCAA tournament debut had been disconcerting enough already. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025 Even without Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota’s size remains disconcerting to the Nuggets, especially when Aaron Gordon is out. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcert
  1. embarrass
  2. confuse
  3. fluster
  4. rattle
Verb
  • McGregor dismantled Aldo during the pre-fight lead-up and subsequently embarrassed him in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 May 2025
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • Also, this word et cetera at the end of the sentence confused me.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Weir was confused by the man’s unusual conviction, though.
    — Louise Erdrich, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • In any other circumstance, I would have been flustered, embarrassed, and ready to drag her out of there and straight into a time-out.
    — Staff Author, Parents, 5 May 2025
  • Midway through Donald Trump‘s 100-day interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, the president got flustered.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of fluster
Verb
  • The chill in investor confidence spread to the stock market, but several announcements from Trump about tariffs rattled stocks deeper.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • The booms rattle windows, frighten pets, and have raised concerns about threats to the structural integrity of private homes.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Definition of rattle

Browse Nearby Words

discomposures
disconcert
disconcerted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disconcert. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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