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 But transitioning your wardrobe from one season to the next, should be fun not daunting. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 For ambitious professionals, the leap may feel daunting. Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Alternatives explored by astronomers each come with daunting hurdles. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 Aramayo, who plays Elrond in The Rings of Power, knew that the role would be a real challenge but he wasn’t daunted. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daunt
Verb
  • Her ancestor’s analytic model discouraged self-revelation by the therapist, but Freud often meets her guests’ excavations of desire and vulnerability with her own candid recollections.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Speaker Johnson is giving the high ground to the Democrats by discouraging Thomas Massie's petition.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The more time went on, the more Mourinho grew visibly frustrated with his role at United.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • What's Next The government faces steep socioeconomic and cultural headwinds that have frustrated other nations, and whether ending the two-child policy will make a significant difference on the trend remains uncertain.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Daunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daunt. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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