as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of
we were disheartened by the news that our grandmother was seriously ill
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Recent Examples of dishearten
Numerous skilled, educated, and ambitious professionals in Africa face a disheartening reality.
—
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Such a perspective may feel disheartening, but there is a figure from history who can offer a different kind of response—one rooted not in grand theories, but in practice and principle.
—Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Commissioners should be reminded, at every step of the process, that an overwhelming majority of Floridians are disgusted and disheartened at the prospect of another brutal, bloody bear hunt.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
The rejection was disheartening, but the Petersons understood the agencies' concerns about liability and whether adoptive families could handle the challenges ahead.
—Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dishearten
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Such a perspective may feel disheartening, but there is a figure from history who can offer a different kind of response—one rooted not in grand theories, but in practice and principle.
—Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Commissioners should be reminded, at every step of the process, that an overwhelming majority of Floridians are disgusted and disheartened at the prospect of another brutal, bloody bear hunt.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
The rejection was disheartening, but the Petersons understood the agencies' concerns about liability and whether adoptive families could handle the challenges ahead.
—Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dishearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishearten
Verb
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So don’t be discouraged if plants are taking multiple seasons to tackle.—
Heather Zidack,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
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Bonta discouraged stealing Valparaiso’s speed bumps.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For example, Dell has reportedly tracked VPN usage and badge swipes, frustrating some workers.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
8 Aug. 2025
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When end customers call their bank to ask for an update, banks themselves have little visibility into a dispute’s status, leaving everyone frustrated.—
Jeff Kauflin,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dishearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishearten. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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