dismay 1 of 2

dismay

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verb

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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
The fact that this is to the dismay of her family allows for satirizing the family unit itself. Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 European allies have expressed dismay, even impolite horror, at Witkoff’s failure to grasp or recall key details of his discussions with the Kremlin. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Microsoft had recently acquired Skype and already owned Xbox, and she was dismayed by how toxic the messaging systems were. Belinda Luscombe, Time, 8 Oct. 2025 Speaking specifically about those spreading transphobic views online, Ellis-Bextor said she was dismayed at the fervor with which many of them spoke. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • Defeats and disappointment were likely to be part of the mix alongside the winning feeling that everyone connected with Wrexham has got so used to since Parkinson took charge.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Residents packed city chambers to express their disappointment in council members’ transgressions, seek more transparency and call for better behavior.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From the depths of despair, a reason to persist emerged and wheat flour surfaced.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Come for the downward spiral of hellish despair, stay for macabre goat Black Phillip and the ominous climax.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Friends star, 56, is the daughter of the late Days of Our Lives actor John Aniston and noted that despite his lengthy acting career, her dad actively discouraged her from following in his footsteps.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t be discouraged Keep in mind that potty training is a months-long process.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The other legend concerns a black magic practitioner who fell in love with a princess.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This is a doc not at all focused on the circumstances of her death and concerned more for celebrating and recognizing the impact of Selena’s life.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The frustration that had been simmering throughout a dreadful collective display reached combustion levels.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, the American captain has no hope of putting his frustration behind him anytime soon.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Faye is both highly supportive yet frustrated by the distant Springsteen, who showers her with love before disappearing into his music.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
  • So when Luise was frustrated by her experiments with canvas one afternoon at MacDowell and threw her scraps into her studio’s fireplace, Morton was there to witness the epiphany that followed.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That should alarm every one of us because ICE is not targeting criminals.
    Jody Agius Vallejo, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The report quickly circulated on social media and even alarmed some basketball fans.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To that end, Democrats do have an early polling edge before the midterm elections, in part because of respondent dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, mostly driven by the economy.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Anyway…) Overall, dissatisfaction is unfortunately having a moment.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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