disrupt

verb

dis-ˈrəpt How to pronounce disrupt (audio)
Definition of disruptnext
1
as in to break
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly an earthquake that had disrupted the elevated highway in several places

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disturb
to undo the proper order or arrangement of the arrival of a baby in the household would totally disrupt their established routine

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disrupt Beyond disrupting the momentum of data centers, the tariffs could have wide-ranging ripple effects if certain products aren’t exempted, the CCIA said in a May letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which was cosigned by about 20 trade groups. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Tehran, for example, can indefinitely disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, through which most of the region’s oil and gas passes, simply by firing on vessels that pass through it—or even merely threatening to do so. — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Fluctuating estrogen levels can disrupt the nerves responsible for your sense of scent, leading to this symptom that’s equally bizarre and annoying. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026 The following term was disrupted by injury and Grealish made just 10 Premier League starts. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disrupt
  1. break
  2. disturb
  3. fracture
  4. confuse
  5. destroy
  6. shuffle
  7. reduce
  8. disorganize
Verb
  • Kusama’s large-scale sculptures and immersive installations break attendance records at museums and galleries around the world, and her works regularly set records at auction.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez broke hard for the ball, and no one covered third in his place.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • Now investors are wondering whether the bond market’s unease is strong enough to disturb a booming stock market.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As a parent who has purchased my share of scary Halloween costumes, I was particularly disturbed by the controversy now engulfing Target.
    — Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturb
Verb
  • Upon his return to the team, Simmons started three games before fracturing his wrist in a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Corbin fractured his jaw in two places, busted his upper arm, and lacerated his lip.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • Then began the desperate, confusing search for their colleagues.
    — Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Founders frequently misjudge their business's worth, often confusing revenue with actual value.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Almost 50 homes and other structures have been destroyed so far; there have been several injuries, and one of Tibbetts’s neighbors lost 20 German shepherds.
    — Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The flood then destroyed roads and knocked out power and phone networks, leaving families unable to establish even the most basic facts.
    — Laura Saravia, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of destroy
Verb
  • Since Brian Schottenheimer lasted six years, from 2006 until 2011, the Jets have shuffled through 10 offensive coordinators (including Reich), and none lasted for more than two seasons.
    — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Verb
  • Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For instance, a creditor might bid $35,000 for a $50,000 SUV, reducing the judgment by that amount, then sell it for $50,000, pocketing $15,000.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Reese finished with 12 rebounds, but Thornton made her work for every touch near the basket, consistently positioning herself to contest without fouling and keeping Atlanta’s interior offense disorganized throughout the first three quarters.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Atlanta doesn’t have a true point guard at the moment in its post-Trae Young incarnation, and the second units in particular could look disorganized.
    — The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Definition of disorganize

Browse Nearby Words

disrobing
disrupt
disrupted
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Cite this Entry

“Disrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disrupt. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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