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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
Zohran Mamdani has defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa to be elected the next Mayor of New York City, something which has come at the dismay of MAGA and conservatives, who have quickly flocked online to share their reactions to Mamdani’s historic win. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 One of her eyes closes slightly, turning her into a cartoon of shock and dismay. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
The footage sparked outrage and dismay across Israel. Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • Gorst smiled shaking Yapp’s hand after the match, but the disappointment on his face was clear while Yapp leapt atop the table to celebrate his major championship.
    Jeremy Herb, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And many expressed disappointment upon realizing the set was sold out this week.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The marvel of this verse is in its vulnerability in expressing sorrow, lost love and despair—under the seams runs the pain.
    Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The resulting social ills of crime, disease, and despair were blamed not on the systems that produced them, but on the people who bore their weight.
    Fahad Zuberi, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Nicknames were discouraged but inevitable.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The initiative also coincides with the $100,000 H-1B application fee, introduced September 21, two days after the DOL announcement—a White House move aimed at discouraging bulk filings by staffing and outsourcing firms.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s not unique to New York, of course, and CEOs are concerned that the next generation of leaders doesn’t trust that business or government is on their side.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • That makes finding such a pair of pants in a thrift-store donation bin unusual—and potentially concerning from a hygiene or institutional usage perspective.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • One person familiar with Tuesday’s heated discussion within the caucus says there appears to be at least eight Democratic votes to reopen the government — even though progressive Democratic senators vented their frustration with the potential deal.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • There were rumors Williams was frustrated with how the Jets were playing, and one can’t blame him, having been part of seven straight losing seasons.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The deadlock has put a pall over Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are frustrated, staffers aren’t getting paid, and the mood is dark, even compared to shutdowns of years past.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Sexton called for the review after hearing from owners alarmed by the rapid rise in assessed values.
    Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The president has galvanized supporters or alarmed his opponents across the country.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Tuesday's losses by the GOP could be viewed as a barometer for voter attitudes ahead of the 2026 midterms, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among core Republican constituencies and raising questions about the party's direction and messaging.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Jarcovjáková makes for a fascinating subject, especially as someone capturing her own emotional dissatisfaction through the contours of her body and face.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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