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 Investors have followed Burnham's path to 10 Downing Street with some consternation, amid fears of a leftward lurch by Labour and a more fiscally loose approach to public spending. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 23 July 2026 Big Sky's newfound identity as a locus of wealth and power has caused consternation among some longtime residents, but many welcome the new energy. — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 After widespread complaints and consternation around the 2026 FIFA World Cup from European fans, commentators, and certain domestic sportswriters, there's no question that this year's tournament has been a gigantic, tremendous success. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 There had been consternation in the buildup to this World Cup hosted by the United States (mostly), Canada and Mexico. — Miami Herald, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
  1. dismay
  2. tension
  3. panic
  4. unease
  5. distress
Noun
  • The historic theater went dark during the pandemic and, to the dismay of Angelenos, remained permanently closed after its owners Pacific Theatres, which includes Arclight Cinemas, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2021.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 July 2026
  • This causes significant dismay among her upper-caste and strictly vegetarian Marwari Hindu family, which calls in a local doctor, and then his wife, the psychologist Shoma Bose.
    — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • As tensions rise with the Sacramento County Office of Education, Sacramento City Unified is pressing ahead with a new fiscal sustainability plan aimed at avoiding insolvency and preserving local control.
    — Chaewon Chung July 30, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Shaw also noted tensions with immigration enforcement crackdowns happening near school campuses.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • There isn’t at the moment, and that is leading to eye-popping unaffordability for renters (not historically the case in Chicago, unlike New York), which is causing panic and leading to all of these calls for more regulations.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • As dog owners, few things trigger a spike of panic like watching your pup bolt into the brush and realizing your phone has dropped to zero bars.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2026
Definition of panic
Noun
  • Shares of Google parent Alphabet were around 4% lower in premarket trading, but that primarily reflected investor unease over rising AI spending outlined in the company's earnings report on Wednesday.
    — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • There’s understandably a lot of unease and a lot of complaint.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • OpenAI has said its ChatGPT program is trained to recognize signs of emotional distress, de-escalate situations, and guide users to real-life support.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • The two men filed a lawsuit against Unity Medical Center alleging emotional distress caused by negligence and medical malpractice, claiming the facility robbed them of the lives they were meant to live.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of consternation for Spanish Speakers

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