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

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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

Lionfish supplanted indigenous stocks like the red mullet to the dismay of fishers, who have seen local varieties popular with customers greatly diminish. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Later, their tentative friendship turns into something more passionate — to the dismay of eavesdropping Asla, who realizes she is not the party Helge’s charm was aimed at. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026

Verb

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 When Twain lunched with Theodore Roosevelt, he was dismayed that the president dragged in his Rough Rider exploits in Cuba three or four times. — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

And ultimately, the deepest disappointment comes from realizing that one of modern studio comedy’s sharpest romantic observers has confused awareness for insight, and in the process, left his most devoted fans behind.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Much to the disappointment of those fans who hoped to see Welbeck wear United’s shirt again, the club never showed any indication of pursuing him this summer.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of disappointment

Noun

As Rhaenyra slowly descends into a pit of despair and desperation, Daemon and his armies run into some snags on their assault of Tumbleton thanks to the various tricks Lord Ormund has up his sleeves.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
There are many valid readings of this high-minded, heavy-handed modern drama of despair, desperation, love and survival instincts.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

Verb

Lesley Lewis, who has run the French House pub in Soho for 37 years, said discouraging that tradition would only drive customers to other parts of the city.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Pushing for transparency and justice for victims can be discouraging, as files continue to be released with victims' names but often without those of the accused.

— Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

New to this generation, the Galaxy Watch 9 will monitor your overnight vitals, including your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and skin temperature, to surface any concerning measurements.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, the state’s top elections official, conceded the errors that led to lawsuits by Democrats in Hartford and Enfield concerning the gathering of petition signatures in order to force a primary.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

Survivors have expressed frustration and criticized the Japanese government's support for nuclear deterrence for being insincere.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented on their investigation for weeks, deferring questions to the district attorney — who acknowledged the public’s frustration.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustration

Noun

There also has been widespread dissatisfaction over how some insurers have handled January 2025 fire claims.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
This insidious method is a form of bullying, causing significant psychological harm and higher dissatisfaction than overt harassment.

— Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 6 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dismay

noun

verb

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