1
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met
filled with dismay at not making the finals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
in my dismay I failed to realize that there would be other chances
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of
the imposing climb up the mountain dismayed us even before we got started
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to concern
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
parents who became increasingly dismayed by their son's foundering marriage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dismay
Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Swift’s dismay about a powerful ex became a fable for any girl courted by an older guy.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Eileen Finan, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
We were dismayed by the state of Chicago’s premiere art palace, for everything from closing its doors for two days a week to shutting down its restaurants and food services, and firing the docents who provided tours and hosted thousands of visitors so diligently for so many years.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
Good morning, In April 2023, Rose’s Fine Food owner Molly Mitchell announced the closing of the charming diner after nine years, to much dismay.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Swift’s dismay about a powerful ex became a fable for any girl courted by an older guy.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
But the singer was dismayed that his looks seemed to receive nearly as much attention as his music.
—Eileen Finan, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
We were dismayed by the state of Chicago’s premiere art palace, for everything from closing its doors for two days a week to shutting down its restaurants and food services, and firing the docents who provided tours and hosted thousands of visitors so diligently for so many years.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
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How impressive a comeback Don’t Believe The Truth was in 2005 after the relative disappointment of 2002’s Heathen Chemistry has no bearing on why Oasis’s reunion tour is this year’s hottest ticket.—
Jesse Adams,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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This slow adoption stems from a low tolerance for errors, past disappointments with AI and a belief that years of legal training shouldn't be undermined by machine learning—all valid perspectives widely discussed in the industry.—
Matthew Sole,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Much of the country was in despair then as the Great Recession rolled on.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Columnist Nancy Armour knows all about Bears despair.—
Chris Bumbaca,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At first, the results were discouraging.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
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If the task is itself a learning activity that develops skills or forces cognitive engagement, discourage AI use.—
Dave Tucker,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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It is concerned solely with the here-and-now, preserving the peace for just one more day, and waiting for the CCP to collapse like the imperial dynasties that ruled China before.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
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The final campaign finance report for the 2024 general election and the annual report concerning remaining campaign funds were filed on April 30 of this year, according to records in the Saline County clerk's office.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Cruz’s rebuttal didn’t touch on Carlson’s claims of frustration with Netanyahu, which former congressman Matt Gaetz said are largely true based on his relationship with Kirk.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
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However, there is already frustration with him as the starter and fans have been asking about when a change could occur.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Larsen makes Didi’s absurd actions feel credible, something a woman frustrated with her own life would do, in haste, on behalf of another.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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The East African nation has been frustrated about the poor equipment, lack of manpower and money to help dismantled Haiti’s gangs.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Alyssa’s trip didn’t alarm her mother.—
Sarah Dahlberg,
NBC news,
17 Sep. 2025
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The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue was alarmed by the Chiefs’ pass rush.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Democrats are hoping that growing dissatisfaction with his economic plans can carry them to victory in several key races.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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So, in this aspect, a little dissatisfaction seemed to fuel ambition and effort.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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