Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

daunt

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of daunt

to lessen the courage or confidence of
  • The raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment.
Synonyms of daunt

chill, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve
Words Related to daunt

browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate

depress, sadden, weigh

afflict, try

damp, dampen, deaden

distress, trouble

bother, irk, vex, worry

debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken

frighten, horrify, scare
Phrases Synonymous with daunt

throw cold water on
Near Antonyms of daunt

buoy (up), cheer, gladden

animate, enliven, invigorate

enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen

assure, reassure

boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir
Antonyms of daunt

embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

Synonym Discussion of daunt

dismay, appall, horrify, daunt mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion. dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.
    • dismayed at the size of the job
appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.
    • I am appalled by your behavior
horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.
    • was horrified by such wanton cruelty
daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.
    • a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Learn More about daunt

  1. See words that rhyme with daunt Dictionary: Definition of daunt Spanish Central: Translation of daunt Nglish: Translation of daunt for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of daunt for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up daunt? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games