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
The program’s recent struggles disheartened him.
—
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
After a lot of research, a little disheartened.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Restaurant owners disheartened, but still optimistic about future While the Mohammads broke their usual public silence on divisive issues to promote immigration organizations, Rachel noted Friday's boycott may have presented an unrealistic goal for restaurants.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
The four episodes feature lots of returning cast members and new faces, but fans of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley), the viscount and viscountess, will be disheartened to learn that the couple doesn’t make an appearance in part one.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dishearten
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
After a lot of research, a little disheartened.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Restaurant owners disheartened, but still optimistic about future While the Mohammads broke their usual public silence on divisive issues to promote immigration organizations, Rachel noted Friday's boycott may have presented an unrealistic goal for restaurants.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
The four episodes feature lots of returning cast members and new faces, but fans of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley), the viscount and viscountess, will be disheartened to learn that the couple doesn’t make an appearance in part one.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dishearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishearten
Verb
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Make pruning cuts at a 45 degree angle to allow water runoff and discourage diseases such as bacterial leaf spot.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
16 Mar. 2026
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That's why Schwartz discourages people from self-diagnosing and treating with cleanses.—
Sarah Boden,
NPR,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After a fall that left so many fan bases frustrated, this is a spring worth celebrating.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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Meanwhile, American consumers are already frustrated by the high cost of living.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dishearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishearten. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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