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
That shared natural resource is a big reason Qatar has long maintained closer relations with Iran than its neighbors—to their consternation.
—
Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
Other artists express consternation, not enthusiasm, about the potential of this new technology to upend the craft of making music and to diminish — or even eliminate — the need for human creativity and interaction.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
But the controversy has caused consternation among USC professors past and present.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Much to my surprise and consternation, my dear Adlai Stevenson was not declared the winner.
—David S. Kravet, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
Other artists express consternation, not enthusiasm, about the potential of this new technology to upend the craft of making music and to diminish — or even eliminate — the need for human creativity and interaction.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
But the controversy has caused consternation among USC professors past and present.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Much to my surprise and consternation, my dear Adlai Stevenson was not declared the winner.
—David S. Kravet, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
-
Perhaps the most volatile split ripped the aforementioned Cassie and Maddy apart, after the former struck up a relationship with Maddy's ex, Nate (Jacob Elordi), much to the latter's dismay.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
-
To his dismay, Frederik learned this week that FIFA had changed the seating map at Arrowhead.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The lawsuit comes amid growing tension at the state Capitol between the Opportunity Caucus, made up of centrist Democrats, and the Progressive Caucus.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This is owing to the high pitch of the notes, the tension of the strings, and the small body of the instrument.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cash in circulation surged 49% YoY due to panic hoarding.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
In South Korea, where people have been panic-buying trash bags, the government has encouraged event organizers to minimize use of disposable items.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That feeling can present in many ways — rumination, a knot in your throat or your chest, an unease in your stomach, the tensing of muscles.—
Goth Shakira
Contributing,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
John Maynard Keynes famously predicted in the 1930s that by 2030, a 15-hour work week would be possible—and then asked, with obvious unease, what people would do with all that free time.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The lawsuit filed by the girl's parents alleges wrongful death, negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Research indicates that retirees who define themselves primarily through their careers are vulnerable to prolonged distress.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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