Find the word that fits

Disturbance: alternatives and connections

Begin with the reviewed alternatives, then explore broader connections without treating every related word as an automatic substitute.

Try an example: important law show help change happy
26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
Start with the meaning

Disturbance

An interruption of a state of peace or quiet; derangement of the regular course of things; disquiet; disorder; as, a disturbance of religious exercises; a disturbance of the galvanic current.

112 useful connections shown 72 reviewed relationships and 40 broader connections.
Best place to begin

Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Narrower term 43

Aberration 76% connected

The act of wandering; deviation, especially from truth or moral rectitude, from the natural state, or from a type.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Agitation 76% connected

The act of agitating, or the state of being agitated; the state of being moved with violence, or with irregular action; commotion; as, the sea after…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Background 76% connected

Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Bother 76% connected

To annoy; to trouble; to worry; to perplex. See Pother.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Carnival 76% connected

A festival celebrated with merriment and revelry in Roman Gatholic countries during the week before Lent, esp. at Rome and Naples, during a few days…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Circus 76% connected

A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through t…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Clutter 76% connected

A confused collection; hence, confusion; disorder; as, the room is in a clutter.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Commotion 76% connected

Disturbed or violent motion; agitation.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Convulsion 76% connected

An unnatural, violent, and unvoluntary contraction of the muscular parts of an animal body.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Delirium 76% connected

A state in which the thoughts, expressions, and actions are wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental aberration; a roving or wandering of the mind, --…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Derangement 76% connected

The act of deranging or putting out of order, or the state of being deranged; disarrangement; disorder; confusion; especially, mental disorder; insan…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Din 76% connected

Loud, confused, harsh noise; a loud, continuous, rattling or clanging sound; clamor; roar.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Disorganization 76% connected

The act of disorganizing; destruction of system.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Disruption 76% connected

The act or rending asunder, or the state of being rent asunder or broken in pieces; breach; rent; dilaceration; rupture; as, the disruption of rocks…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Earthquake 76% connected

A shaking, trembling, or concussion of the earth, due to subterranean causes, often accompanied by a rumbling noise. The wave of shock sometimes trav…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Excitement 76% connected

The act of exciting, or the state of being roused into action, or of having increased action; impulsion; agitation; as, an excitement of the people.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Furore 76% connected

Excitement; commotion; enthusiasm.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Fuss 76% connected

A tumult; a bustle; unnecessary or annoying ado about trifles.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Garboil 76% connected

Tumult; disturbance; disorder.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Havoc 76% connected

Wide and general destruction; devastation; waste.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Hullabaloo 76% connected

A confused noise; uproar; tumult.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Incident 76% connected

Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Mayhem 76% connected

The maiming of a person by depriving him of the use of any of his members which are necessary for defense or protection. See Maim.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Melee 76% connected

A fight in which the combatants are mingled in one confused mass; a hand to hand conflict; an affray.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Neurosis 76% connected

A functional nervous affection or disease, that is, a disease of the nerves without any appreciable change of nerve structure.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Outburst 76% connected

A bursting forth.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Overthrow 76% connected

To throw over; to overturn; to upset; to turn upside down.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Perturbation 76% connected

The act of perturbing, or the state of being perturbed; esp., agitation of mind.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Rampage 76% connected

Violent or riotous behavior; a state of excitement, passion, or debauchery; as, to be on the rampage.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Ruction 76% connected

An uproar; a quarrel; a noisy outbreak.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Rumpus 76% connected

A disturbance; noise and confusion; a quarrel.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Scrimmage 76% connected

Formerly, a skirmish; now, a general row or confused fight or struggle.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Splash 76% connected

To strike and dash about, as water, mud, etc.; to plash.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Static 76% connected

Alt. of Statical

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Stir 76% connected

To change the place of in any manner; to move.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Storm 76% connected

A violent disturbance of the atmosphere, attended by wind, rain, snow, hail, or thunder and lightning; hence, often, a heavy fall of rain, snow, or h…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Tempest 76% connected

An extensive current of wind, rushing with great velocity and violence, and commonly attended with rain, hail, or snow; a furious storm.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Trouble 76% connected

To put into confused motion; to disturb; to agitate.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Tumult 76% connected

The commotion or agitation of a multitude, usually accompanied with great noise, uproar, and confusion of voices; hurly-burly; noisy confusion.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Turmoil 76% connected

Harassing labor; trouble; molestation by tumult; disturbance; worrying confusion.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Upheaval 76% connected

The act of upheaving, or the state of being upheaved; esp., an elevation of a portion of the earth's crust.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Uproar 76% connected

Great tumult; violent disturbance and noise; noisy confusion; bustle and clamor.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Upset 76% connected

To set up; to put upright.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Broader term 13

Activity 76% connected

The state or quality of being active; nimbleness; agility; vigorous action or operation; energy; active force; as, an increasing variety of human act…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Agitation 76% connected

The act of agitating, or the state of being agitated; the state of being moved with violence, or with irregular action; commotion; as, the sea after…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Combat 76% connected

To struggle or contend, as with an opposing force; to fight.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Disorder 76% connected

Want of order or regular disposition; lack of arrangement; confusion; disarray; as, the troops were thrown into disorder; the papers are in disorder.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Fight 76% connected

To strive or contend for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Fighting 76% connected

of Fight

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Motility 76% connected

Capability of motion; contractility.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Motion 76% connected

The act, process, or state of changing place or position; movement; the passing of a body from one place or position to another, whether voluntary or…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Move 76% connected

To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another; to impel; to stir; as…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Movement 76% connected

The act of moving; change of place or posture; transference, by any means, from one situation to another; natural or appropriate motion; progress; ad…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Scrap 76% connected

Something scraped off; hence, a small piece; a bit; a fragment; a detached, incomplete portion.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Trouble 76% connected

To put into confused motion; to disturb; to agitate.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Upset 76% connected

To set up; to put upright.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Derivationally related 4

Disturb 74% connected

To throw into disorder or confusion; to derange; to interrupt the settled state of; to excite from a state of rest.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Disturb 74% connected

To throw into disorder or confusion; to derange; to interrupt the settled state of; to excite from a state of rest.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Touch 74% connected

To come in contact with; to hit or strike lightly against; to extend the hand, foot, or the like, so as to reach or rest on.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Touch 74% connected

To come in contact with; to hit or strike lightly against; to extend the hand, foot, or the like, so as to reach or rest on.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Synonym 12

Affray 92% connected

To startle from quiet; to alarm.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Commotion 92% connected

Disturbed or violent motion; agitation.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Disruption 92% connected

The act or rending asunder, or the state of being rent asunder or broken in pieces; breach; rent; dilaceration; rupture; as, the disruption of rocks…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Flutter 92% connected

To vibrate or move quickly; as, a bird flutters its wings.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Fray 92% connected

Affray; broil; contest; combat.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Interference 92% connected

The act or state of interfering; as, the stoppage of a machine by the interference of some of its parts; a meddlesome interference in the business of…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

kerfuffle 92% connected

A commotion or fuss

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Noise 92% connected

Sound of any kind.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Perturbation 92% connected

The act of perturbing, or the state of being perturbed; esp., agitation of mind.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Ruffle 92% connected

To make into a ruff; to draw or contract into puckers, plaits, or folds; to wrinkle.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

To-do 92% connected

Bustle; stir; commotion; ado.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Upset 92% connected

To set up; to put upright.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Explore further

Words from the same subject

These terms belong to the same specialist field or topic. They help you explore the subject, but they are not automatically synonyms.

Explore further

Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.