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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
But—to the dismay of Stein scholars—Katz never published his notes. Anna Russell, New Yorker, 28 July 2025 President Trump’s tougher approach appears to be triggered by deepening dismay with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the conflict. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
He’s also dismayed by the GOP’s multitrillion-dollar tax and spending package Congress is currently debating. Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 1 June 2025 Just a few years into their Pixel love affair, though, owners have been dismayed to learn that a new software update will destroy the phone's battery life. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • Newcastle’s response to Isak’s statement suggests as such, and though insiders at the club have felt a degree of sympathy for the player, believing him to have been badly advised, the club went public with its disappointment, and on the attack too.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • There are logical reasons for these September disappointments.
    Steven Zeitch, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The knowledge that tens of thousands of children have been stolen deepens despair for parents across Ukraine.
    Irwin Redlener, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The suicide of a Belgian father, the death of a retiree lured by a chatbot, the despair of teenagers drawn to AI in isolation.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If things don’t go according to plan — like if your creative spark or romantic date night gets hit with a wild card — don’t be discouraged.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In high-growth markets, the outdated exemption can discourage homeowners from selling, impacting market fluidity.
    Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And forecasters are concerned about two other systems that have a chance of forming in Erin’s wake, one northeast of the Bahamas and one off the coast of Africa.
    David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
  • As far as touchbacks per punt are concerned, Stonehouse finished at 10%, 18.9% and 9.6% in his three years in the league.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Trump in recent weeks has expressed frustration with Russia as the war continues, and Friday's meeting could have key implication for peace talks as well as Russia-U.S. relations.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Trump's frustration with Putin appeared to be building as Moscow expanded its ground and long-range strike operations in recent months.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And for people who choose to lease rather than buy, $7,500 can be put toward the lease of any EV, without restrictions on price, manufacturing location or buyer income — a loophole that has pleased many automakers and frustrated many EV tax credit critics.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Children's relief group frustrated by holdup on medical treatments For decades, Palestine Children's Relief Fund's international organization has provided free and urgent medical care to children wounded in Gaza and the Middle East.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But as Intel likely explores the potential downsides of accepting such a deal, other companies applying for federal grants may already be alarmed by Trump's move.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2025
  • During its closure, the construction also alarmed several business owners in the Midland Entertainment District, the city’s hub for dining, entertainment and recreation.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Rogers’ dissatisfaction matches complaints tenants in single family homes have made against corporate landlords in North Carolina and Charlotte.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Another major factor was dissatisfaction with the quality of academic instruction at other schools, mentioned by 72 percent of parents.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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