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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dismay
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
To his dismay, MJ has a new man in her life.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
To their surprise and dismay only 1,914 monarchs were counted.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
Cook Islanders hold New Zealand passports, which was partly why the deals with China prompted such dismay about security in Wellington.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
To his dismay, MJ has a new man in her life.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
In Argentina, the visit caused surprise and even dismay, particularly among those who appreciated the national team captain for not getting involved in politics, a trait that had distinguished him from his predecessor, Diego Maradona.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
To their surprise and dismay only 1,914 monarchs were counted.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
-
Reaction to the verdict After the verdict, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stood next to New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry and expressed her disappointment in the verdict.—
Doug Williams,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Some fans are crying their eyes violet over their disappointment, while others are begging critics to get a grip.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The festival hopes to encourage artists and fans to turn to comedy, theater, creativity and community instead of despair.—
Candace Hansen,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Resisting despair, both private and social, has long been central to Lerner’s mission.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mention cutting toxic people out of your life (but don’t reveal that the people in question are your friends who, at lunch, discouraged you from posting that).—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Within days, China’s surprise intervention in the deal quickly shattered that hope, as Beijing stepped up efforts to discourage Chinese AI founders from moving their businesses offshore.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
If the novel concerned only these elements—the clash of cultures in a small town, the thrill of the landscape beyond it—readers would still turn the last page with a fruitful, even nourishing, sense of disorientation.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
New transparency tools aim to help travelers understand disruptions and reduce frustration during delays and cancellations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
And while the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved covering the overrun, most of which will come from the county's unrestricted fund balance, frustration is clearly building.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Chris Kuhns, who worked as an investigator in the BOI for 20 years and wrote the shelved report into Ramirez’s death, was frustrated by the unit’s inability to accomplish what it was required to do by law.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
While experts say the funds are beginning to make a difference, the sluggish pace of spending in some communities, from the wine country of Grand Traverse County to mid-Michigan's Eaton County, has frustrated some state leaders.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Critics are alarmed by its presence at the White House, saying the group promotes extreme views and undermines public schools.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
They will also be alarmed by the recent series of intelligence failures and leaks.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Alberta, home to Canada's oil sands and a longstanding grievance over energy policies, has frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government, especially over issues like carbon taxes, pipeline regulations and equalization payments.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The fact that everyone was on the same page gave meaning to our presence, to know that Americans can peacefully display dissatisfaction about what’s happening in Washington and demand change.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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