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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Recent Examples of consternation
But after 90-plus minutes against Cape Verde on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the smiles turned to seething expressions and consternation.
—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
Maple Leafs have the top pick Missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade caused plenty of consternation in Toronto, where there are questions about captain Auston Matthews and his long-term future.
—
Stephen Whyno,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
With how macho the mobsters all are, this causes a ton of consternation, both within the family and across the river in New York, especially considering Vito is married to Phil's cousin.
—
Austin Perry Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Their opponents, who sought to defeat the Constitution’s ratification, were then dubbed the Anti-Federalists, much to the latter’s consternation.
—
Jordan Cash,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
Maple Leafs have the top pick Missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade caused plenty of consternation in Toronto, where there are questions about captain Auston Matthews and his long-term future.
—
Stephen Whyno,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
With how macho the mobsters all are, this causes a ton of consternation, both within the family and across the river in New York, especially considering Vito is married to Phil's cousin.
—
Austin Perry Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Their opponents, who sought to defeat the Constitution’s ratification, were then dubbed the Anti-Federalists, much to the latter’s consternation.
—
Jordan Cash,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
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Much to Iraq's dismay, Mbappé only has to beat one goalkeeper and not three.
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The sight of the lectern being carried out onto Downing Street, followed by the short, poignant farewell address, has taken on a ritual familiarity, with each departure colored by particular dismay.
Noun
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The clinical version dates to research in the 1960s and 1970s, when devices tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension and skin temperature to help people regulate what was once considered automatic.
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Analysts expect gas prices to continue falling but remain unpredictable due to geopolitical tensions.
Noun
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The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
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Sandy has taken flight, but not without sending eagle-eyed viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest cam into a Sunday-morning panic.
Noun
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Over several years, Williams and the team explored how avatars modeled on West African masks were able to avoid the uncanny valley, that unease people feel when something almost-human turns out not to be.
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Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
Noun
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The Hoffmans are suing Boelter for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
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Not to mention smoking hot Hart Bochner as the himbo-in-distress.
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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