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
It's continued to be a source of consternation.
—
Jennifer Elias,mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
The other parents joined them, one or two echoing the incredulity, a mixture of fake consternation, mild indignation, and real pride.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
So therefore there was so much consternation about it.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
Pirro, who has faced consternation from federal judges for trying to press forward with criminal cases after grand juries refused to return indictments, must have been paying attention to Halligan’s fate.
—Chris Brennan, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Jennifer Elias,mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
The other parents joined them, one or two echoing the incredulity, a mixture of fake consternation, mild indignation, and real pride.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
So therefore there was so much consternation about it.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
Pirro, who has faced consternation from federal judges for trying to press forward with criminal cases after grand juries refused to return indictments, must have been paying attention to Halligan’s fate.
—Chris Brennan, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
-
His comments come as those allies express new dismay over the energy escalation, which has already driven up prices in Europe, and have shown little desire to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.—
Raf Sanchez,
NBC news,
19 Mar. 2026
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Columbia University's Naftali said the consensus that developed in that era against assassinations was a product of several things, including public dismay over the imperial presidency in the wake of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.—
Ryan Lucas,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The same level of care extends to the spa, where my therapist, Francesca, tailored my treatment with remarkable intuition, addressing both muscular tension and skin concerns with expertise.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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The implications of Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions are significant and extend well beyond bilateral frictions.—
Rabia Akhtar,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Eyes wide, panting near panic, Foster perfectly captures the audience's own fear of being alone in the dark with a monster.—
Darren Franich,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
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Neighboring India, which is the world’s second-largest importer of LPG after China, is grappling with panic-buying among its own citizens amid wild swings in the price of international Brent crude oil, which as of early Friday was above $100 a barrel.—
Mithil Aggarwal,
NBC news,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Polling suggests unease about the dramatic way Trump has imposed the levies.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
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With growing unease in the US about the war and its economic impact on ordinary citizens, Trump has been forced to change tack in recent days.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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When Hilton faced distress, Blackstone had to restructure the hotel’s debt in 2010.—
Luisa Beltran,
Sportico.com,
18 Mar. 2026
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The plaintiffs are asking the court for damages for emotional distress and other harms caused by the images.—
Huo Jingnan,
NPR,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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