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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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

While The Roots and Meek Mill took the stage again around midnight, and fireworks were finally set off well past midnight, Aguilera had a noticeable absence, much to the dismay of fans. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 6 July 2026 This escalates into a dragon chase and Aemond’s giant, ancient beast is overcome with bloodlust, killing Luke and his dragon much to the dismay of Aemond One-Eye. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Verb

O’Keeffe was dismayed and asked that the nude photos never be shown again. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 29 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

Whether that’s a single-stock anomaly or a signal that the market has quietly repriced its tolerance for earnings disappointment across the sector is the question the rest of earnings season will start to answer.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Stranger still is the fact these non-native fish have developed a mysterious ability to vanish for months at a time in Lake Gaston – much to the disappointment of anglers.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

Definition of disappointment

Noun

That sense of despair could be because the album captured the band in a state of crisis.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
Rayan Cherki captured the sense of shock and despair among the France players on a day when their World Cup dream died, in a 2-0 defeat to Spain that was as emphatic as the scoreline suggests.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of despair

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

Plummeting immigration is concerning, since our data suggests that immigration was the biggest contributor to Florida’s growth since 2023.

— Matt Brooks, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Bradač’s proof concerns off-diagonal Ramsey numbers, which allow for large differences between the size of a clique and the size of an independent set.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

That is why there has been such a deluge of anger and frustration from the public, even more than from the tournament exits under Southgate.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026
In a Thursday episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro hit Vance particularly over his comments on the latter topic and his views on Americans’ frustration with the country’s economic system over the past few decades.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

Definition of frustration

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

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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dismay

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verb

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