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

Whether CEOs view the new age of AI with optimism or concern, the constant talk of AI replacing jobs could feel daunting for employees. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025

If all that proves daunting, there’s always listening to the San Diego Sports 760 radio broadcast. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025

Even for an industry veteran like Regina Hall, who plays a revolutionary tasked with overseeing Willa’s protection, the concept of shooting Paul Thomas Anderson’s largest, most expensive endeavor yet was daunting. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025

The Foxtrot League looks daunting but D’Epifanio brings a lot of skill. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025