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 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 The murder appalled the city, and Musa’s family demanded justice. Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 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
  • One of his players from the 2005 team, outfielder Scott Podsednik, shocked Guillén with the announcement.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Coming off three straight 100-loss seasons and widely projected for a fourth in 2026, Polis believes the club’s changed front office, led by president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, gives the Rockies a shot to shock the baseball world with a wild-card berth.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The narration returns obsessively to the moments of violence between the parents, which horrify the boy.
    Tim Parks, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The Hortas were horrified to learn that Tania Hernandez, the owner of the small house where their friend was going hungry, was a social services worker for the state charged with the mission of saving frail, elderly and disabled adults like Rabell.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Arms were folded, faces stunned by, and a feeling of defeat—that's what was left as the road to the championship came to a halt with the Fighting Illini losing to the UConn Huskies.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • While new-car sales dropped in the EU through January, BYD stunned the market by reporting a 175% year-on-year increase in deliveries to 13,982 units, according to ACEA data.
    Sam Meredith,Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Some frighten people, while others delight them.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The marsupial escaped from Sunshine Farm in Necedah, a village about 90 miles away from Madison, on March 25, after being frightened by barking dogs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appall. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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