DISTEMPER Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

distemper 1 of 2

noun

Definition of distemper

as in disease

an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning contracted some tropical distemper while he was doing research in the jungles of Borneo

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

distemper

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈtem-pər

as in to alarm

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy despite his career success, he has been distempered by nagging feelings of inadequacy his whole life

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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 distemper

Noun

According to the shelter, staff had already been monitoring for signs of distemper due to cases reported in surrounding counties. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Per Cook County ordinance, dog owners also must submit their dogs' vaccine records — with proof of their dogs' vaccines or titers (antibodies) for rabies, distemper (CFV), hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus-2), parainfluenza (CPIV), parvovirus (CPV), leptospirosis, and Bordetella (kennel cough). — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

Verb

Mother had purchased a new bed and armoire for his room, and the walls were freshly distempered. — Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distemper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distemper

Noun

But rates of cardiac disease have fallen in recent years, as the medical community pivots to managing cholesterol levels, hypertension and diabetes—all risk factors for heart disease.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
The administration said 80% of insurers pledged changes to preauthorization requirements for 80% of diseases and injuries by January 2026.

— Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of disease

Verb

Such military cooperation has alarmed Israel, which is increasingly distrustful of Turkey’s intentions in the region.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
California Forever has increasingly pitched the Solano Shipyard as part of a broader effort to rebuild the US maritime industry, a priority among both Democrats and Republicans alarmed over its decline.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of alarm

Noun

Fewer than 10 people typically die of the illness each year, but nearly everyone who contracts it dies, according to the CDC.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
If a parent has an illness so contagious that the hospital can’t adequately protect other patients from it, such as tuberculosis, the parent and child would probably be put in an isolation room with special airflow to contain germs.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of illness

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

Noun

Hospitals and medical practitioners could treat many ailments and save lives, but medications like insulin for diabetes and antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia didn’t exist.

— Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
On the other side of it, Zeek Biggers, who hasn’t played in either preseason game, has been dealing with a minor nagging ailment in recent weeks but is back now.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of ailment

Verb

The companies are less likely to be distressed compared to those offering the highest yields in the first quintile.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Changes To Leaves Or Bark Yellow, browning, or dropping leaves outside of the fall season can mean a tree is distressed from drought, pests, disease, or lack of nutrients.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of distress

Noun

All the police will find is a crowd sitting in silent vigil and a bottle of olive oil for anointing the ill.

— Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
Alex Pantling/Getty Images What is clear is that no one thinks the changes enacted in either the Championship or League One are a resolution to the EFL’s marked financial ills.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of ill

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distastes

distemper

distemperature

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

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Synonyms of distemper

noun

verb

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