perturb

verb

pər-ˈtərb How to pronounce perturb (audio)
Definition of perturbnext
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy the caller's strange remark perturbed me enough to keep me awake that night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perturb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perturb are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, fluster, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

In what contexts can agitate take the place of perturb?

Although the words agitate and perturb have much in common, agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When would discompose be a good substitute for perturb?

While the synonyms discompose and perturb are close in meaning, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When is disquiet a more appropriate choice than perturb?

While in some cases nearly identical to perturb, disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When can disturb be used instead of perturb?

In some situations, the words disturb and perturb are roughly equivalent. However, disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

Where would fluster be a reasonable alternative to perturb?

The words fluster and perturb can be used in similar contexts, but fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When might upset be a better fit than perturb?

The meanings of upset and perturb largely overlap; however, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 perturb But that didn't perturb Nielsen, of San Antonio, Texas, who saw it as a challenge to revive the satchel. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 Far from panicked or perturbed, Tito confidently walks around the tub and even places a paw on her leg, clearly unbothered by the splash zone. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 But Trump is suddenly perturbed by the mere mention of TACO. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 Trump is perturbed by the lack of movement but is nevertheless still ordering his envoy Steve Witkoff to continue his efforts. —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perturb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perturb
  1. disturb
  2. distract
  3. bother
  4. alarm
  5. worry
  6. unsettle
  7. concern
  8. agitate
Verb
  • However, infrared videography can help record what’s going on on the beach without disturbing the turtles or crabs.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 July 2025
  • The first beaver to be released in this project was trapped at Arlington Wildlife Area along the Gila River after causing land management issues, like clogging pipes and disturbing irrigation infrastructure.
    — John Leos, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • As the plant grows around it, the support becomes almost invisible and does not distract from the plant's beauty.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.
    — Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
Definition of distract
Verb
  • There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.
    — Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • Chisholm, the Yankees’ hottest hitter over the last month or so, has said that the shoulder bothers him more in the field than at the plate.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Definition of bother
Verb
  • In an interview with an internal affairs investigator, Pascua said she wasn’t alarmed by Elisa’s fall.
    — Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Those of us frustrated or alarmed about the scope of the Trump administration’s immigration raids must unequivocally condemn violence against government workers and law enforcement.
    — Dallas Morning News, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Definition of alarm
Verb
  • Though Harry assured Charlotte that everything is going to be OK, Charlotte can’t help but worry.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
  • But there’s nothing, only silence, which worries me as much as the scream.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of worry
Verb
  • The Almanac said the Southwest, including California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, could experience unsettled, showery conditions on Halloween this year.
    — Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
  • By the late 1800s, in one of their many acts of unsettling America’s natural balance, white men had hunted wolves and mountain lions to extinction in the East.
    — Helen Whybrow July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Definition of unsettle
Verb
  • The warning was released on Monday at 4:41 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 4:47 p.m.
    — Kansas City Star Bot Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • The suit alleges that several internal memos concerning drugs and other contraband have gone unheeded for years.
    — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Definition of concern
Verb
  • Both robots have the same vacuum brush roll design, incorporating rubber fins and bristles to effectively agitate dirt on multiple flooring surfaces while keeping themselves clear of hair tangles.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
  • Avoid doing anything to heat or agitate plastic, so quit putting plastic containers in the microwave and kiddie cups in the dishwasher.
    — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 7 July 2025
Definition of agitate

Browse Nearby Words

pertness
perturb
perturbable
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Cite this Entry

“Perturb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perturb. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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