DISMAY Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dismay 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dismay next

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

as in despair

the state of being discouraged in my dismay I failed to realize that there would be other chances

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dismay

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈmā

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

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

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

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Recent Examples of dismay

Noun

One of the greatest dismays for my mother is that my father died on the 6th of August, 1976, and Elvis Presley died on the 16th of August, 1977. —

Caroline Tompkins, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) expressed dismay over what appears to be Hegseth’s path toward confirmation. —

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025

Verb

The lawmaker said he was dismayed by Biden’s blanket approach to reversing Trump’s immigration policies immediately taking office. —

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024 But after sharing a taste with each of the neighbors drawn to her kitchen by the stew’s intoxicating smell, Omu is dismayed to discover that, by dinner time, the pot is empty! —

Jennifer Hubert Swan, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

Indeed, the real driver of disappointment Wednesday is Danaher’s outlook for the current quarter and full fiscal year.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025
In fact, Miami ranked 27th in sacks per pass play (6.12 percent), and that’s a major disappointment.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025