DISMAY Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dismay 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dismay

as in disappointment

the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met filled with dismay at not making the finals

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in despair

the state of being discouraged in my dismay I failed to realize that there would be other chances

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dismay

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈmā

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of the imposing climb up the mountain dismayed us even before we got started

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to concern

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy parents who became increasingly dismayed by their son's foundering marriage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Colonists down south, especially fierce New England Protestants who took a dim view of Catholicism, viewed this act – and their new fellow imperial subjects – with dismay and considerable suspicion. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 The decision to wean, much to the dismay of many, can come from either party. — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

Verb

The time is now to climb out of our depression and dismay and look to each other for support and civic engagement. — Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026 Ben Sulayem is known to have the ear of the F1 drivers, who are increasingly dismayed with the highly computerized nature of their new power units. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

Since World Cup tickets began selling on FIFA Marketplace last September, fans have expressed disappointment in the expensive price tag.

— Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Coach Hossam Hassan and captain Mohamed Salah expressed their disappointment after the match, while several former players and television pundits also questioned the officiating.

— Reuters, NBC news, 8 July 2026

Definition of disappointment

Noun

Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.

— Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026
Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of despair

Verb

Many gardeners buy praying mantis egg cases (oothecae) from garden nurseries, but this practice is discouraged for two reasons.

— Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch, such as straw or leaf mulch, will discourage weeds in garden beds, says Langelo.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

One of the most concerning things about the situation is that someone left such an explosive just lying around.

— Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Plummeting immigration is concerning, since our data suggests that immigration was the biggest contributor to Florida’s growth since 2023.

— Karin Brewster, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

Its passage signals that lawmakers recognize the frustration many Americans feel about the high cost of housing.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Over time, that leads to frustration, burnout, and in some cases, outstanding educators leaving the profession altogether.

— Tiffany Thenor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of frustration

Verb

Belgium looked limited and frustrated, with Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans heading into the second-half hydration break in the middle of an angry argument.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

Those measures, however, have alarmed privacy advocates, who argue that age-gating the internet would affect all users — not just children.

— Angela Yang, NBC news, 30 June 2026
That’s alarmed the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents about 400 nurses and staff at two psychiatric hospitals in Sacramento.

— Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026

Definition of alarm

Noun

Researchers and psychologists agree that this feeling can fuel anxiety, dissatisfaction, and a constant need to stay connected, for fear of missing an opportunity, an event, or an experience.

— Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
Van Buren, a Democrat, perhaps sensing the electorate’s dissatisfaction with him amid difficult economic times, had a plan to paint Harrison’s Whig Party as politically corrupt.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026

Definition of dissatisfaction

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dismantling

dismay

dismayed

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“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dismay

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verb

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