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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

We’re filled with dismay at the hard left turn the Democratic Party has been taking in this primary season, and El-Sayed’s narrow win is still a win. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 The fact that absolutely nothing came of it in the moment — no pushing and shoving, no dismay shown from offensive linemen — perhaps spoke to the roster’s respect for the 28-year-old Roach. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

Fans of the Spinners were dismayed this week after the team said the town unfairly ejected it from the stadium. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026 Attorney Ben Crump, who’s representing Wells’ family, said he’s dismayed by the lack of clear details that have emerged in the case. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

This is a swing game that could be the difference between further disappointment and perhaps a winning record and bowl eligibility.

— Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Men’s tennis player Nick Kyrgios expressed disappointment in himself after testing positive for cocaine.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of disappointment

Noun

Moving forward Growers who are moving on in the wake of the Del Monte collapse are experiencing a slew of emotions ranging from hope to despair.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
At Rimini’s Catholic festival, Leo urges believers to confront unjust economic and technological systems, asserting that ‘there can be no enemies’ and hailing young Catholics as a hopeful antidote to despair.

— Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

Verb

But Airbnb has acknowledged guest frustration over cleaning fees and advises hosts that setting them too high can discourage bookings.

— Mike Winters, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
The release of the lists comes as Sheinbaum’s administration prepares new ‘audience rights’ rules that would discourage television and radio outlets from broadcasting what the government calls ‘false’ information.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Roy can’t escape one difficult question, however, concerning his plans for what’s next after his contract’s up at the end of the season.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
And while early-onset Alzheimer’s is rare, that doesn’t mean women should ignore changes that genuinely concern them.

— Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

That ambiguity is echoed in Banks’ score, which takes on the tone of a lament and a celebration, frustration and hope, struggle and liberation, the quest for transcendence in the face of the challenges posed by daunting inequities.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The move follows efforts by Pinterest and LinkedIn to respond to users’ frustrations with AI slop in their feeds.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustration

Verb

During the delay, television cameras captured the Blue Jays waiting and visibly frustrated by the delay, with Scherzer among the players reacting to what was happening.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
North is frustrated with Jasper County officials, specifically the commissioners, for pushing the project through.

— Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

Garcia said that before the attack, residents were already alarmed by a May news release from the city manager of neighboring Rio Vista, who warned that the project and potential annexation could open the door to a giant data center being built.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Terrified Jewish voters—alarmed by progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s anti-Zionist rhetoric—are fleeing to Republican Mike Rogers for self-preservation.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of alarm

Noun

As popular dissatisfaction with the country’s traditional politicians and political parties grew, many Bolivians began looking to leaders who had emerged from the social movements themselves.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
The Last Frontier State voted for Trump during all three of his presidential runs but Democrats are hoping rising prices and dissatisfaction with his administration could swing more moderate voters in their favor.

— Emily Chang, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissatisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

dismantling

dismay

dismayed

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“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dismay

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verb

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