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

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

Starkly depicting such abuses as force-feeding, strip-searching, and staff bullying, the movie appalled audiences on its release, and the State of Massachusetts quickly banned it from being shown publicly for more than twenty years. —News Desk, Artforum, 17 Feb. 2026