daunting 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of dauntingnext
as in discouraging

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Dissimilar Words

daunting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of daunt
as in frustrating
to lessen the courage or confidence of the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 daunting
Adjective
In This Article As someone who truly finds joy in the kitchen and typically looks forward to cooking, there are still those times that preparing a meal just feels like the most daunting task of the day. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 Miami is riding a seven-match unbeaten streak in league play and leads MLS with 45 goals, but faces a daunting task against Nashville, which is two points ahead of Miami in the standings. — Michelle Kaufman august 14, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
That means that trying to schedule months in advance, let alone weeks or even days, can feel particularly daunting to him. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 The novel’s length is daunting, but the writing is swift and eventful, often expressed in coursing run-on sentences. — Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daunting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daunting
  1. discouraging
  2. frustrating
  3. troublesome
  4. dismaying
  5. disconcerting
  6. disheartening
  7. dispiriting
  8. demoralizing
Adjective
  • Then a rough 2025, a crowded rotation in 2026 and a discouraging bullpen stint led Pfaadt back to Reno.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the discouraging landscape, recruiters and career experts say there are still ways for recent graduates to stand out.
    — Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of discouraging
Verb
  • But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Definition of frustrating
Adjective
  • Offensive line depth remains troublesome The lack of depth on the Dolphins’ offensive line has been problematic for the past decade because an offensive line is only as good as its weakest link.
    — Omar Kelly August 24, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Iranian regime has been killing troublesome exiles since the Islamic Revolution, in 1979.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of troublesome
Adjective
  • Most dismaying to me was the group’s seemingly endless tinkering with the menu at Rowdy Rooster, its fast-casual fried-chicken spot, including a downgrade in the chicken’s range of heat.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • Some recent comments from longtime Voicers have been especially dismaying.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
Definition of dismaying
Adjective
  • Ultimately, swarms of AI could combine in rather disconcerting and dangerous ways.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There was a brief, disconcerting interlude of quiet from the Argentina fans after that.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of disconcerting
Adjective
  • This has been especially disheartening because the strategy and RPG elements the series is known for have so far been excellent.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Selina Wang, the lead author of the study, says the findings are particularly disheartening, as avocado oil products are often much more expensive than those made with olive or other vegetable oils.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 July 2026
Definition of disheartening
Adjective
  • That said, the more dispiriting possibility is that Gluck as a creator has gradually become too insulated from the industry’s rougher edges to recognize that his work makes an impact regardless of his intentions.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The second explanation is less technical but more dispiriting.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispiriting
Adjective
  • Suddenly, in this most demoralizing scenario, USC is out of the Playoff picture at the halfway point of the season.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
  • On top of all that, having to say this again and again is demoralizing.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of demoralizing

Browse Nearby Words

daunted
daunting
dauntless
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Cite this Entry

“Daunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daunting. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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