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
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
But consumer advocates watch with dismay as some of those ideas are gutted or watered down.
—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
21 June 2026
Tara Sonenshine,
Baltimore Sun,
27 May 2026
Ben Sulayem is known to have the ear of the F1 drivers, who are increasingly dismayed with the highly computerized nature of their new power units.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
The sight of the lectern being carried out onto Downing Street, followed by the short, poignant farewell address, has taken on a ritual familiarity, with each departure colored by particular dismay.
—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
But consumer advocates watch with dismay as some of those ideas are gutted or watered down.
—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
21 June 2026
Verb
The time is now to climb out of our depression and dismay and look to each other for support and civic engagement.
—
Tara Sonenshine,
Baltimore Sun,
27 May 2026
Ben Sulayem is known to have the ear of the F1 drivers, who are increasingly dismayed with the highly computerized nature of their new power units.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
-
In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions.
-
The crowd was filled with Knicks fans, many of whom bought tickets from 76ers’ supporters who were accustomed to postseason disappointment.
Noun
-
Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.
-
Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.
Verb
-
Many gardeners buy praying mantis egg cases (oothecae) from garden nurseries, but this practice is discouraged for two reasons.
-
Applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch, such as straw or leaf mulch, will discourage weeds in garden beds, says Langelo.
Verb
-
Recent polling from Gallup found that Americans are concerned most about housing and energy prices, including gas.
-
Carter is concerned by a pop-up power plant under construction in the area to serve a data center.
Noun
-
This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
-
Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
Verb
-
Belgium looked limited and frustrated, with Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans heading into the second-half hydration break in the middle of an angry argument.
-
Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
Verb
-
Those measures, however, have alarmed privacy advocates, who argue that age-gating the internet would affect all users — not just children.
-
That’s alarmed the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents about 400 nurses and staff at two psychiatric hospitals in Sacramento.
Noun
-
The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.
-
The mass demonstrations delayed AfD's vote, prompting Chrupalla to criticize the method in which agitators expressed their dissatisfaction.
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
