consternation

noun

Definition of consternationnext
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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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 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
  1. dismay
  2. tension
  3. panic
  4. unease
  5. distress
Noun
  • Most, hosted by a coalition of local Democratic groups, discussed dismay at the number of deaths in the county jail and the reduction of polling locations.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Russia's surprise return to the table sparked dismay among European officials, who opposed appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 photo, which was ultimately taken without the Russian minister.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • In a time of strained Spanish-American relations, Kuss is doing his part in easing diplomatic tensions.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • When Jenn and Emily return, Shannon tries to cut the tension by talking about jarred pizza sauce (the only real laugh-out-loud moment of the episode), but there’s no salvaging this night.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of tension
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

Browse Nearby Words

constellations
consternation
constituent
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Cite this Entry

“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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