CONSTERNATIONS 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 Many Moves, Many Injuries New York did not sign slugger Pete Alonso and ace closer Edwin Diaz last winter, much to the consternation of many fans. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for consternation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation

Noun

Newton didn’t even attempt to jump on the second fumble, much to everyone’s dismay.

— Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Although Belgium coach Rudi Garcia and the Belgian federation had expressed dismay at FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s red card ban, Garcia said his team was neither distracted nor motivated by the controversy.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

Its shuttering, alongside other long-standing landmarks like Taix restaurant, underscores Echo Park’s growing tension between new development and preserving neighborhood character.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Now, with countries around the world focusing on building sovereign satellite networks, amid geopolitical tensions, a UAE company is working to mass manufacture commercial satellites.

— Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

To convey the family’s internal unease, Cárdenas landed on a number of devices that were subtle but significant in terms of changing the optics of the series.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 July 2026
Declassified British documents from the 1960s revealed government unease over the presence of the micronation, as well as eventually shelved plans to bomb it.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026

Definition of unease

Noun

Lewbel said distress detection is no longer a feature of Flock's system, but did not respond to questions about what led to that decision or whether it had ever been used by law enforcement.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 July 2026
However, evidence of an ancient alien civilization and a frantic distress call from deep space instantly cut those celebrations short.

— Paul Brett, Space.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of distress

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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 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of consternation

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