CONSTERNATION Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

consternation

noun

Definition of consternation

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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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 Most of the consternation comes from fans who believe their favorite team or conference is being under-ranked or under-represented, so if that's your particular gripe, fear not. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 There’s much consternation about Vita Vea wanting to be traded. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 The star dimmed tremendously in late 2019, not returning to its typical brightness until early 2020, which caused much consternation among stargazers. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026 The source of Acclivus’ consternation in the emails with Lee stemmed from the health department issuing an award letter for the group showing the organization would get $8,091,916, while a separate scope of work document listed $8,982,779. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consternation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation

Noun

Despite four of the six miles being built underground, the construction in Norco would be entirely overhead, much to residents' dismay.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Giulio, a dissatisfied 16-year-old, drifts through life with no enthusiasm for his education or his future, much to his family’s dismay (particularly his endlessly frustrated mother, brilliantly played by Monica Bellucci).

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

This week, Shin stated that despite easing US-Iran tensions, inflation in South Korea is expected to remain elevated for a prolonged period.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The two deaths linked to measles that Pennsylvania health officials announced this week set off a flurry of political sparring, misinformation and confusion that only added to the tension over the country’s highest measles burden in 35 years.

— Jason Kane, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

But there’s more than gags here; the episode also delves into the gang’s unease with their changing lives, as well as the reservations everyone but Ted seems to have about his engagement to Stella (Sarah Chalke).

— Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
But Susser said the unease might also reflect that society hasn’t quite established clear norms around AI use.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of unease

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constellations

consternation

constituent

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“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of consternation

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