daunt

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

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 daunt The early schedule will be daunting, especially with Murray out of the lineup. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025 The loss of housing due to January’s Los Angeles wildfires, the cost of homeownership remains daunting, and the modest new construction has largely been completed, so there’s little new supply. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025 There are currently many options on the market, which can make deciding what to buy daunting without standardized eye protection guidelines. NPR, 21 Oct. 2025 But when the parents began the planning process, taking a DIY approach to a multi-country trip for four adults and three teenagers (two high-school grads and an 8th-grade graduate) proved daunting. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daunt
Verb
  • If what once felt easy starts to get complicated, don’t be discouraged.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Officials say these measures are aimed at discouraging irregular migration and securing the border, contributing to a notable decline in Border Patrol apprehensions compared with previous years.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Faye is both highly supportive yet frustrated by the distant Springsteen, who showers her with love before disappearing into his music.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
  • So when Luise was frustrated by her experiments with canvas one afternoon at MacDowell and threw her scraps into her studio’s fireplace, Morton was there to witness the epiphany that followed.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Daunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daunt. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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