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 There is a directness to Salah which opponents find disconcerting. —Gregg Evans, New York Times, 21 May 2025 In her debut feature Plan 75, which premiered at Cannes in 2022, Chie Hayakawa offered a quietly disconcerting vision of the future in which Japanese residents over the age of 75 could elect to be euthanized. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 Thomas’ absence from the field for the entire spring has been disconcerting. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025 But with 95 games remaining, their season hinges on a disconcerting number of maybes. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disconcert
  1. embarrass
  2. confuse
  3. fluster
  4. rattle
Verb
  • SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.
    — Uri Friedman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Currently, the site has a wall with three holes, which has confused residents.
    — Kamal Morgan July 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Siegemund, 37, plays an unorthodox style of tennis that can leave opponents flustered.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2025
Definition of fluster
Verb
  • On a recent evening visit, Miller was rattled by the call of coyotes.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • The tariff threats have rattled Brazil's exporters.
    — Carrie Kahn, NPR, 10 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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