Synonyms of appall

appall

verb

ə-ˈpȯl 

variants also appal

as in to shock

to cause an unpleasant surprise for

conditions inside the house overrun with cats simply appalled animal control officers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shock
• horrify
• stun
• frighten
• startle
• scare
• astonish
• terrify
• outrage
• shake
• shake up
• jolt
• amaze
• disgust
• floor
• stupefy
• flabbergast
• dumbfound
• alarm
• overwhelm
• sicken
• nauseate
• panic
• astound
• fright
• affright
• dismay
• displease
• terrorize
• offend
• daunt
• spook
• scandalize
• scarify
• awe
• unnerve
• revolt
• unsettle
• disconcert
• dispirit
• repel
• upset
• disturb
• freak (out)
• distress
• discomfort
• knock for a loop
• perturb
• disquiet
• emasculate
• unman
• demoralize
• discompose
• undo
• bowl over
• overpower
• unstring
• turn off
• chill
• weird out
• crush

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delight
• please
• rejoice
• gratify
• buffer
• tempt
• cushion
• assure
• charm
• entice
• tickle
• cheer
• comfort
• soothe
• reassure
• console
• solace

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb appall contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appall are daunt, dismay, and horrify. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

When can daunt be used instead of appall?

The meanings of daunt and appall largely overlap; however, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

When is it sensible to use dismay instead of appall?

The words dismay and appall can be used in similar contexts, but dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

In what contexts can horrify take the place of appall?

In some situations, the words horrify and appall are roughly equivalent. However, horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of appall

The young Forster recoiled from the school’s culture of authoritarianism and militaristic chauvinism, which may have found expression in the students’ often appalling attitudes toward their own mothers. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026

Hiram Crombie is shocked and appalled that Jamie is taking the Trading Post from him and kicking him and the other men off Fraser’s Ridge? —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026

The proposal appalled the science community and lawmakers. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026

Minerliz’ family was relieved — and appalled. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

When the Mach-E hit the scene, plenty of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle purists were appalled by the idea that Ford would badge an EV as a Mustang. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

As a relative newcomer to San Diego, I am appalled by the condition of the main roads in this city. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Undeterred by danger and appalled by hospital conditions, Annie organized the Keokuk Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society (KLAS), serving as its corresponding secretary. —Hanna Howard, Des Moines Register, 8 Mar. 2026

Some Lakes residents are appalled by her solicitation. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026