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
Over the past few months, CBS News staffers have had a great deal of consternation over a pending settlement, a prospect that was out of their control.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2025
In recent years there has been a lot of consternation around the question of who really belongs in this country and who may not quite have a place.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Many side streets stay untouched, a point of consternation over the years for residents.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The fate of the now-defunct golf course has been a source of consternation for residents in East San Jose, as the site was never envisioned for significant residential development, raising questions about how such an ambitious project could impact the surrounding single-family neighborhoods.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2025
In recent years there has been a lot of consternation around the question of who really belongs in this country and who may not quite have a place.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Many side streets stay untouched, a point of consternation over the years for residents.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The fate of the now-defunct golf course has been a source of consternation for residents in East San Jose, as the site was never envisioned for significant residential development, raising questions about how such an ambitious project could impact the surrounding single-family neighborhoods.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
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Many of Colbert’s regular guests shared their dismay.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 July 2025
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However, fans were upset by the wording of the question and shared their dismay on social media.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The move to resume sales of the H20 chips comes amid easing tensions between Washington and Beijing, with China relaxing controls on rare earth exports and the United States allowing chip design software services to resume in China.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
15 July 2025
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Increasing tensions between the U.S. and Canada driven by concerns over tariffs and border security issues also serve to elevate future supply concerns.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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According to the report, the lightning strike left beachgoers, swimmers and surfers in a panic, and many ran for their cars in the immediate aftermath.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
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Steven was there for Conrad in that moment too, finding him on the beach hyperventilating and talking him out of the panic to distract him.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Other countries were still expressing unease, however.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
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But progress on this front has been slow, most likely due to China’s increasing unease with Iranian foreign policy and doubts about its long-term stability.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
Brown said a bite from a lone star tick can trigger an allergic reaction, with symptoms including hives, gastrointestinal distress and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.—
State House News Service,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
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Tiffany had shown no indication of being depressed or in emotional distress.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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