dismay 1 of 2

Definition of dismaynext

dismay

2 of 2

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
Candor can cause dismay in the UConn Health executive suite. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026 To add to their dismay, there isn’t much technological difference between the Connect and the Port. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Verb
In a perfect world the days will be filled with sun, there will be just enough rain to nourish the plants and our fence will dismay all four-legged creatures. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 In Boston, the Brooke Charter Schools became a haven for educators from other charters who had grown dismayed by their school’s ideological turn. Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • Teams are at the center of the action when competing against another, complete with the celebrations and disappointments that are the hallmarks of any game show.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • Fitzgerald said there’s no lingering disappointment following last weekend’s three losses, just excitement as his team attempts to claim the league title ahead of the postseason Big 12 tourney and NCAAs.
    Gary Bedore May 14, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Condal also saw what was happening and felt despair.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • Farmers in despair Without insurance, Kongphan, an immigrant from Thailand, has been trying to obtain government aid and figure out how to level earth moved by the floodwaters.
    Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Candidates often decide within seconds whether a listing feels worth pursuing, so long paragraphs, dense blocks of text and repetitive language can quickly discourage applicants from continuing through the listing.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Endocrinology is the medical specialty concerned with these diseases of the body’s hormones.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • So far as Pedro Almodóvar is concerned, cinema is everything, and everything is cinema.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Viola’s reaction spotlighted growing frustration among competitors who believe the ruling body is using procedural fixes to avoid addressing biological differences in girls' sports.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Many of them came from north Denver, where neighbors have expressed frustration about a CoreSite data center there.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • However, some concertgoers said they were frustrated by restrictive views in the floor section, citing the production's tall ramp structures.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • Pratt, who gained fame as Montag’s bad boyfriend on the 2000s-era hit The Hills, had been frustrated of late by his inability to get back on the air with his family.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • That threat alone should alarm anyone who pays bills, runs a business, or has seen government expand as basic services deteriorate.
    Matt Klink, Daily News, 14 May 2026
  • Steadman Stahl, the president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, told CBS News Miami that he is alarmed by this case and hopes someone can help find the suspect.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The labor disruption was fueled by multiple factors including burnout, health concerns, caregiving responsibilities, dissatisfaction with workplace culture, increased remote work opportunities, and widespread reevaluation of personal priorities.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Boone, meanwhile, hung his head in dissatisfaction on the steps of the Yankees’ dugout.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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