as in dismay
formal
a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion
The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue. Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college.
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Recent Examples of consternation
Over the past few months, CBS News staffers have had a great deal of consternation over a pending settlement, a prospect that was out of their control.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2025
In recent years there has been a lot of consternation around the question of who really belongs in this country and who may not quite have a place.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Many side streets stay untouched, a point of consternation over the years for residents.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The fate of the now-defunct golf course has been a source of consternation for residents in East San Jose, as the site was never envisioned for significant residential development, raising questions about how such an ambitious project could impact the surrounding single-family neighborhoods.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2025
In recent years there has been a lot of consternation around the question of who really belongs in this country and who may not quite have a place.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Many side streets stay untouched, a point of consternation over the years for residents.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The fate of the now-defunct golf course has been a source of consternation for residents in East San Jose, as the site was never envisioned for significant residential development, raising questions about how such an ambitious project could impact the surrounding single-family neighborhoods.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
-
For a quick recap, this is the world a team of scientists recently suggested could host life — to the dismay of other scientists in the community, who felt the announcement failed to include necessary caution.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
-
The shop was nearly empty, to the dismay of the owner, Roxana Gaeta, who grew up nearby and bought the place a decade ago from the family that opened it.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Where the negotiations with the Bengals stand Talks and tensions between Hamilton County and the Bengals have escalated as both sides have traded accusations of violating the Paycor Stadium lease.—
Scott Wartman,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
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Weighed down by trade wars, geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility, the global market for personal luxury goods will likely fall by between 2 and 5 percent this year, according to the latest Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study from Bain and Altagamma.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
29 July 2025
Noun
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While this may seem obvious, logic often falls apart during moments of panic.—
Amy Shoenthal,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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The scary moment was met by immense panic among passengers.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
27 July 2025
Noun
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Dave Bautista gives a quietly mesmerizing performance as Leonard—a hulking figure whose soft-spoken gentleness only heightens the unease—joined by a scruffily unnerving Rupert Grint and wrenching turns from Ben Aldridge and Jonathan Groff as the parents.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
29 July 2025
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Yet my unease must be a tiny fraction of that of men from either side on the ground that night.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
27 July 2025
Noun
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Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
26 July 2025
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Phillips hid the pregnancy and acted under extreme emotional distress, citing financial struggles and homelessness at the time, her lawyer said.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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