Synonyms of daunt

daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt 

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of

the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discourage
• frustrate
• intimidate
• frighten
• dishearten
• unnerve
• scare
• dispirit
• bother
• worry
• demoralize
• dismay
• afflict
• horrify
• unman
• trouble
• try
• weigh
• chill
• browbeat
• distress
• sadden
• weaken
• throw cold water on
• bully
• undermine
• cow
• depress
• vex
• dampen
• deaden
• irk
• debilitate
• damp
• enfeeble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• nerve
• steel
• cheer
• embolden
• hearten
• enliven
• enforce
• strengthen
• assure
• reinforce
• gladden
• animate
• excite
• reassure
• fortify
• invigorate
• stimulate
• inspire
• provoke
• buoy (up)
• stir
• lift
• quicken
• energize
• boost
• reenforce
• rally
• galvanize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb daunt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daunt are appall, dismay, and horrify. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

When could appall be used to replace daunt?

In some situations, the words appall and daunt are roughly equivalent. However, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

When is dismay a more appropriate choice than daunt?

While the synonyms dismay and daunt are close in meaning, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

When might horrify be a better fit than daunt?

The words horrify and daunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of daunt

Michael Kim Michael Kim's relentless work ethic has paid off, securing his Masters spot after a daunting eight consecutive events. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

The daunting ascent up the shifting ship was nothing new for Captain Hallax, 73. —Silvana Paternostro Nathalia Angarita, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

Scientists such as Church were not daunted by the difficulty of the science or the ethical thickets involved. —D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

The House Settlement Agreement The prospects of losing such an antitrust case are daunting for the NCAA. —Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025