dismay 1 of 2

dismay

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dismay contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dismay are appall, daunt, and horrify. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

When would appall be a good substitute for dismay?

While the synonyms appall and dismay are close in meaning, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

In what contexts can daunt take the place of dismay?

In some situations, the words daunt and dismay are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Where would horrify be a reasonable alternative to dismay?

The words horrify and dismay can be used in similar contexts, but horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

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 dismay
Noun
The latest New York news Image Online rage invades a famed retreat: The Chautauqua Institution, a 151-year-old intellectual center in upstate New York, has been rocked by online accusations of antisemitism and liberal bias, as well as dismay over cuts to its opera budget. James Barron, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 Much to her dismay, Cardi showed fans on her Instagram Story that her daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus, had scribbled all over the raper’s crocodile skin Hermés Kelly bag. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
So the former Maryland center was dismayed to see how a two-week kerfuffle at his former school resulted in the departures of athletic director Damon Evans, men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard and five players. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025 If he was dismayed by a team-mate or disappointed by a performance, the hands-on-hips thousand-yard stare was inescapable. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • Rebuilding credibility with investors after a prolonged period of disappointment will take time.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The title is still up for grabs, but a three-horse race at the top is now down to two, with Leeds and Burnley promoted and Sheffield United having to get over their disappointment and try to go up through the play-offs.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Magnificent heroes of delicacy and seduction, Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant forever illuminate the film of our lives, like these two posters, whose colors express the intensity of a passionate love that triumphs over despair.
    Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The most heartbreaking thing about this highly heartbreaking scene, to me, is how Ramsey communicates Ellie’s despair at realizing there’s no time to fix things between them.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The incident report was issued Monday at 3:57 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 4:01 p.m.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The season went from concerning to disastrous under Van Nistelrooy.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This has been a source of frustration for the woman’s mother, who desires more time with her grandchildren.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This largely comes from a place of frustration at what is perceived as self-hate.
    Tayler Adigun, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What frustrates you most about navigating love in the digital age?
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Still, researchers are clear to reassure people there is no need to be alarmed about the continent hollowing out or there being any sudden landscape changes anytime soon.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Trump's attack on our courts threatens every American Our country faces a constitutional crisis that should alarm every American.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After the April 10 meeting, trustee Charmaine Haworth also resigned, also citing dissatisfaction with the group’s direction.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The announcement comes just days after Starkey addressed rumors of his firing, reportedly sparked by singer Roger Daltrey’s dissatisfaction with Starkey’s performance during a Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in late March.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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