Synonyms for
Upsetting
Definition
causing someone to feel anxious, worried, or unhappy
Synonyms & similar words
discomfit
untune
trouble
disturb
knockover
upset
discompose
bowlover
turnover
overturn
disconcerting
tumpover
swage
disconcert
tipover
disturbing
troubling
disconcerting
unsettling
alarming
worrying
distressing
agitating
irritating
annoying
provoking
exasperating
frustrating
enraging
angering
displeasing
offending
hurting
shocking
surprising
Synonyms by register
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- upsetting news
- upsetting experience
- upsetting behavior
- deeply upsetting
- very upsetting
- upsetting the apple cart
- upsetting the balance
Word family
Usage note
While 'upset' can be a noun or verb, 'upsetting' is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that causes distress or unhappiness. It often implies a disruption of emotional equilibrium.
Example sentences
- The noise from the construction site is very upsetting.
- I find it upsetting when my little brother breaks my toys.
- The loss of her favorite toy was very upsetting for the little girl.
- The bad news was very upsetting for the family.
- The teacher's unfair grading system was upsetting to the students.
Quotes
I have a sentimental feeling for my very first cover because I was very upset when I found out that it was going to be changed. - Norman Rockwell
I was so upset, I wanted to go out and kill him. Friedkin had to tell me to calm down, like a father. - Ellen Burstyn
I used to get very upset with critics. I would get into verbal battles with them. That was a waste of energy. - Shirley MacLaine