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
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
David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Byun recalls watching in disbelief and dismay as his friend became a figure of almost universal public derision in a span of a few short weeks.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Vanessa Romo, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
On one end of the spectrum, institutional investors are dismayed at the company’s pullback from its ambitious climate targets.
—Justin Worland, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
The case wound its way to the Utah Supreme Court, which issued a groundbreaking ruling on July 11, 2024, that prompted celebration from the plaintiffs and dismay from Utah’s Republican legislative leaders.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Byun recalls watching in disbelief and dismay as his friend became a figure of almost universal public derision in a span of a few short weeks.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Verb
The stories went viral, touching off tens of thousands of angry comments from users who were equally perplexed and dismayed over the loss of any piece of the city's already meager urban canopy.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
On one end of the spectrum, institutional investors are dismayed at the company’s pullback from its ambitious climate targets.
—Justin Worland, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
-
This year is shaping up to be a disappointment for America’s airline industry.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
That was considered a massive disappointment, which led to widespread criticism of Mascherano’s acumen as a manager.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
My Guard’s presence tamped down potentially dangerous outbursts of anger and despair.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2025
-
Almost two decades later, his family — who spent years grappling with unanswered questions that only fueled their fear and despair — finally learned what happened to him.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
However, the Senate's scholarship restriction could create perverse incentives, discouraging institutions from offering comprehensive aid packages to their neediest students.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
To discourage their dog from any more late-night excursions, the Olsen family, who rescued Max two years ago, has been regularly feeding Max his treat of choice at home.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
The incident was reported Friday at 9:17 a.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Friday at 9:20 a.m.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2025
-
Having said that, returning from a serious ankle injury is absolutely something to be concerned about.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
His populist messaging and anti-establishment persona align with many voters’ frustrations with Washington, the Federal Reserve, and legacy media.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
But Mascherano’s frustration with the team’s lack of new players before the tournament also reached a boiling point on the eve of the opening match.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Having borrowed the sand and surf motif from his surfer brother Dennis Wilson — the only surfer among the group — Brian later became inspired, and frustrated, by The Beatles’ evolving sound.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
11 June 2025
-
That truce frustrated some environmental groups that were not part of the negotiations.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
Her red Chevy Avalanche was found abandoned with windows rolled down -- a detail that immediately alarmed her family.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 June 2025
-
Trump’s sudden rebuke has alarmed some conservative court-watchers, who warn the president’s new approach could fracture a judicial pipeline built over decades.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
These figures reflect growing dissatisfaction, even among traditional supporters, such as women, young people, and low-income groups.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
12 June 2025
-
Several Tennessee lawmakers from both parties also voiced their dissatisfaction with the school threats law during the session, citing the harm done to children who did not pose real danger.—
Aliyya Swaby,
ProPublica,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share