appall

variants also appal
Definition of appallnext

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

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 appall Back in Brooklyn after college at Emerson, she was appalled by the march toward war that followed 9/11. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 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 In an interview with the Star-Telegram in December, Romer said she was appalled at her son-in-law’s treatment. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026 Critics were divided, audiences were entertained, TV executives and Beale’s IRL equivalents were appalled, Oscar voters were enthralled. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appall
Verb
  • Spieth, nine holes away from another wire-to-wire victory, throws it away with a collapse around Amen Corner that is shocking even by Augusta National standards.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Viewers were equally shocked at the mishap.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And Back both and Nakamoto were horrified by the shutdown of Napster, a peer-to-peer software used for sharing music.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
  • His statement, which horrified Americans and those watching abroad, followed days of similar exclamations, including multiple threats to destroy power plants and bridges in Iran.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After the Executive Office of Health and Human Services ordered the removal of tools like pepper gel, handcuffs and batons from the toolbelts of the Tewksbury Security Team specialists at the hospital, officials in Tewksbury were stunned, and immediately sought answers from the state.
    Peter Currier, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
  • DeChambeau, stunned by the shot, turned and looked at his caddie in disbelief.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026
  • When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appall. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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