dismay 1 of 2

dismay

2 of 2

verb

1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dismay contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dismay are appall, daunt, and horrify. While all these words 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

When would appall be a good substitute for dismay?

While the synonyms appall and dismay are close in meaning, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

In what contexts can daunt take the place of dismay?

In some situations, the words daunt and dismay are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Where would horrify be a reasonable alternative to dismay?

The words horrify and dismay can be used in similar contexts, but 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 dismay
Noun
There’s no dismay in sight in 2025, only more promises of tax breaks for the wealthy that the U.S. budget deficit cannot afford. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025 Much to his dismay, though, the Elimination Challenge is to create a tasting menu based on pickles — a food Tristen apparently loathes. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
On a particularly hectic morning — with a baby strapped to her chest — Connell was dismayed to find that her husband had not accomplished his usual morning tasks of emptying the dishwasher and taking out the trash. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 11 Apr. 2025 So the former Maryland center was dismayed to see how a two-week kerfuffle at his former school resulted in the departures of athletic director Damon Evans, men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard and five players. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • The move, although not unexpected, was met with disappointment and anger by arts administrators who had counted on the grants to finance ongoing projects.
    Michael Paulson, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Kandi Burruss, the Othello producer and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum who's been vocal about wanting an EGOT, took to Instagram to express her disappointment.
    Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Democrats and Republicans alike would do well to recognize that increasing polarization is the most likely result of aggressive posturing, spinning us into doom loops of despair.
    Timothy Shriver, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • Is now a time for optimism or despair over Israel’s environmental record?
    JTA Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • This could discourage aggressive use, especially if there is concern over accountability or the risk of losing valuable hardware.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The primary reason for the 10-minute time limit is to discourage loitering, Heinzelman said.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • This episode raises fundamental questions beyond Harvard concerning the Constitution and the meaning of education.
    Larry P. Arnn, National Review, 3 May 2025
  • The concerning future of PFAS regulations Biden’s action set the first national, legally enforceable standard limiting in drinking water five of more than 12,000 types of individual PFAS.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Maybe the trauma was having the type of brain that this type of world is not built for and butting up against that frustration again and again.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The frustration of losing the Corales Puntacana Championship almost on the last hole quickly passed for Joel Dahmen.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Restaurateur Tasha Cyril is sometimes frustrated by the popularity of the turkey wings at her scene-centric Buckhead bar and lounge.
    Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • But after postponement upon postponement, I got frustrated.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When DeSantis first ran for Governor in 2018, Florida was experiencing headline-grabbing environmental problems ranging from fish-killing red tides and toxic algae blooms to manatee die-offs and invasive species that were alarming residents and giving tourists pause.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • People should not be alarmed as the fires are carefully monitored.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As the moon and sun harmonize, pinpoint the source of your dissatisfaction.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 7 May 2025
  • While the decision is ultimately yours, trusted observers might notice patterns of dissatisfaction, your talents being underutilized, or personality mismatches with bosses or colleagues that no longer register for you.
    Cynthia Pong, CNBC, 5 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dismay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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