CONSTERNATION Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

consternation

noun

Definition of consternation

as in dismay

formal a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue. Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college.

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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 consternation Rising bond yields have been causing plenty of consternation among fiscal hawks and investors, with good reason. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Customers expressed so much consternation that two years later, the company reinstated the slate of old faithful flavors. — HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026 Wan’s closed at the end of 2024, much to the consternation of customers who had come to rely on the kitchen for gatherings and takeout. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 There was much consternation about bringing him up from Double-A Arkansas. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consternation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation

Noun

The cursed island town in Widow’s Bay has summoned all kinds of supernatural entities, much to the dismay of its residents.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026
People in New York City looked up in shock and dismay; people everywhere else watched their favorite anchors on old-fashioned television sets and looked for updates on very rudimentary versions of news websites.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

The rattle of a bride’s gold earring or the rasp of straightener steam through a bride’s hair takes on a panic-inducingly eerie quality thanks to Marie-Clotilde Chery’s chilling sound design.

— Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
Plenkovic has accused his political opponents of fueling panic for political gain.

— Darko Bandic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of panic

Noun

Her government was also the first led by a party with neo-fascist roots, and European allies and financial markets viewed her with unease.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
The rise in bond yields is a global phenomenon, rooted in investors’ unease over unchecked government spending and intensified by bets that central banks may keep interest rates higher for longer.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of unease

Noun

But, in his view, the discussion of mental distress among kids ought to focus there.

— Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
The family’s attorney says Mayich struggled through a military-style practice with little rest or water, showing clear distress before collapsing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of distress

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constellations

consternation

constituent

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“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of consternation

noun

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