dishearten

verb

(ˌ)dis-ˈhär-tᵊn How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
Definition of disheartennext
as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of we were disheartened by the news that our grandmother was seriously ill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 dishearten For fans who just started to watch the NBA again, and there are many, that's a disheartening development. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026 And Saturday’s walkoff loss to the Rangers was especially disheartening. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026 Were the older folks of your time disheartened by your generation’s lack of interest with their movies? — Raj Tawney, IndieWire, 12 May 2026 Kantor said the data is disheartening. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dishearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishearten
  1. discourage
  2. frustrate
Verb
  • Adjust your watering schedule accordingly and if at all possible, just apply water to the base of the plant and avoid getting the foliage wet to discourage diseases.
    — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
  • Refreshing the water every day or two keeps it appealing for birds and helps discourage mosquitoes from breeding.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of discourage
Verb
  • In a 2022 request to interview Floris and Benavides, the senators said the episode frustrated and obstructed their oversight.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
  • Surprisingly, Cape Verde were the one team able to frustrate them, earning a 0-0 draw in the opening match.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of frustrate

Browse Nearby Words

disharmony
dishearten
disheartened
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dishearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishearten. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dishearten

Nglish: Translation of dishearten for Spanish Speakers

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