unsettling

1 of 2

adjective

un·​set·​tling
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ, 
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
Synonyms of unsettling
: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unsettling images of the war
unsettlingly
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē, 
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
adverb

unsettling

2 of 2

present participle of unsettle

Synonyms of unsettling

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of unsettling in a Sentence

Adjective unsettling new developments in the effort to bring peace and stability to that region had the unsettling task of picking out a coffin and making the other funeral arrangements for his father
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
That year, the head trainer of the Commanders was found to have been illegally distributing oxycodone to players — an unsettling reminder of the NFL's difficult history with painkillers. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 The quirky robot is a notable departure from the more unsettling machines that typically make headlines today. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 Exhilarating, sublime, and unsettling, these installations—which often incorporate polka-dot balloons, pumpkins, LED lights, and soundtracks—immerse the viewer in infinite reflective surfaces, exploding even small spaces into an endless expanse. — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 Even more unsettling was the role that Robinson’s and Abbatiello’s fraternities allegedly played in the trafficking organization. — Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsettling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettling was in 1665

Rhymes for unsettling

See All Rhymes for unsettling

Browse Nearby Words

unsettlement
unsettling
unsevered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsettling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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