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
Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
Nevertheless, the billionaire class and their advocates in the media and on cable news expressed shock and dismay at the very idea.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
Many Democratic voters, including Jews, have grown dismayed by Israel’s conduct in the war and are deeply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
—Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
But to her dismay, her name was only found on the snubs and surprises lists.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
Nevertheless, the billionaire class and their advocates in the media and on cable news expressed shock and dismay at the very idea.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
The city’s business, good government and political leadership, especially those dismayed by the results of the mayoral primary, must unite in support of the inclusion of the nonpartisan elections proposal.
—Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
Many Democratic voters, including Jews, have grown dismayed by Israel’s conduct in the war and are deeply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
—Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
-
François Bayrou, France’s prime minister, expressed his disappointment for the trade agreement.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
28 July 2025
-
The Brewers shipped him to the Chicago White Sox for big league flop Andrew Vaughn, the third-overall draft pick in 2019 who’d been an increasing disappointment through five seasons in Chicago.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In an era of headlines that often fuel despair, the Calouste Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity shines a light on solutions.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
The display screen on Jerry Dipoto’s iPhone can elicit in him despair or delight.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Verb
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In some cities, local law enforcement is discouraged from cooperating with federal immigration officials, while in others local authorities just don't actively involve themselves in immigration enforcement.—
Sharon Coolidge,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
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Covering the soil with a ½ inch of coarse sand or fine gravel can also discourage egg laying.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
While some prominent voices have praised Harvard’s response, prospective students may be concerned about the potential ramifications of this ongoing dispute.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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There’s still reason for parents to be concerned, because dating apps could also be harming kids in other ways.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Analysts expressed frustration with CEO Andy Jassy’s explanations for AWS’s relatively slow growth during the conference call.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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His frustration came to a head in the top of the seventh inning during an at-bat by Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., during which Kotsay was ejected, that had one pitch fully in the strike zone and one borderline pitch both called balls, according to MLB.com’s live gamecast.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The men's families and supporters were frustrated with the pace of the hearing.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
-
Not being able to offer a heart-lung transplant in Austin frustrates Fraser.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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In an interview with an internal affairs investigator, Pascua said she wasn’t alarmed by Elisa’s fall.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Those of us frustrated or alarmed about the scope of the Trump administration’s immigration raids must unequivocally condemn violence against government workers and law enforcement.—
Dallas Morning News,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Frustrations with outdated technology can lead to employee dissatisfaction, increasing burnout and turnover.—
Mark Holzberg,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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While the veteran expressed dissatisfaction with the Sacramento set up, and his road splits are much better, Severino isn’t missing bats at all this season.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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