1
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met
filled with dismay at not making the finals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
in my dismay I failed to realize that there would be other chances
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
as in to concern
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
parents who became increasingly dismayed by their son's foundering marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 dismay
David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
In March, college officials watched in dismay as the Department of Homeland Security began quietly removing the records of thousands of foreign students from a federal immigration database.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Justin Worland, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
However, alarmed and dismayed by Trump’s expressed goal of annexing Greenland, some in Copenhagen now regret that procurement, Business Insider reported.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
Their reality has been shredded; they are literally demoralized, with the exception of one man, Pabst’s assistant, a scrupulous fellow who goes mad with dismay.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
In March, college officials watched in dismay as the Department of Homeland Security began quietly removing the records of thousands of foreign students from a federal immigration database.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
On one end of the spectrum, institutional investors are dismayed at the company’s pullback from its ambitious climate targets.
—Justin Worland, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
However, alarmed and dismayed by Trump’s expressed goal of annexing Greenland, some in Copenhagen now regret that procurement, Business Insider reported.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
-
This year is shaping up to be a disappointment for America’s airline industry.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
But Boston has been among baseball’s biggest disappointments, falling to 30-35 with Friday’s loss.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
-
But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
That guidance similarly discourages blanket exclusions and encourages individualized assessments that consider the nature of the offense, its recency, and its relevance to the job.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
State wildlife biologists and Parks and Wildlife officials said killing the wolf is meant to change pack behavior by discouraging the predators from targeting livestock.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The incident was reported Friday at 9:17 a.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Friday at 9:20 a.m.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2025
-
Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning.—
Jack Moore,
ABC News,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Postgame, their manager’s frustration was palpable.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2025
-
Moments before allegedly opening fire, Zhao vented his frustrations at a supervisor and a co-worker whom Zhao blamed for a collision between his forklift and a bulldozer, prosecutors claim.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Musk was reportedly frustrated about OpenAI being part of the deal and allegedly warned G42 officials on a call that Trump would not sign off on a deal unless his company xAI was included.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
His Democratic Party predecessor, Moon Jae-in, had three years with a near supermajority in the legislature but had his agenda frustrated by party colleagues with little appetite for painful corrective measures.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Her red Chevy Avalanche was found abandoned with windows rolled down -- a detail that immediately alarmed her family.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 June 2025
-
Trump’s sudden rebuke has alarmed some conservative court-watchers, who warn the president’s new approach could fracture a judicial pipeline built over decades.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew won his reelection bid Saturday, edging out two rival candidates who challenged the longtime incumbent over his handling of retiree healthcare and dissatisfaction with the status quo.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
31 May 2025
-
But now multiple families of girls who have already been displaced by a trans athlete at previous meets have spoken out against the federation, expressing dissatisfaction with the changes.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share