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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
Here’s another warning for Springfield: The growing public dismay over power bills should be a sign to policymakers that now is not the time for litmus tests and winning plaudits from activists. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025 For a quick recap, this is the world a team of scientists recently suggested could host life — to the dismay of other scientists in the community, who felt the announcement failed to include necessary caution. Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
That outcome dismayed Ramon Maislen, a developer who launched Brooklyn BridgeBuilders to oppose Hanif’s reelection and said antisemitism did not seem to resonate with voters. Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, Jonathan Porter, was dismayed to hear news later that all the children attending youth camps in Kerr County had not been ushered to higher ground despite those warnings. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • The tribe expressed disappointment with the ruling and is considering its options.
    Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • One thing’s for certain: Marvel Studios will be navigating some shaky ground in the coming year and a half trying to figure out how to get the Marvel Cinematic Universe back on course after its third box office disappointment of 2025.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There were, however, occasional moments of despair rather than delight.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Not all rabbis spoke from the same ideological place, but a common thread was their effort to assert Jewish moral vocabulary in a moment of despair.
    Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • So don’t be discouraged if plants are taking multiple seasons to tackle.
    Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Since some of Miami’s requirements are more stringent than the county’s, the city requires fewer units to be set aside for affordable and workforce housing so as not to discourage developers from working with Miami.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • On the back of that victory, players recently filed a class action lawsuit against FIFA concerning its rules on player movement.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The cloud, resisted a decade ago by fashion executives concerned about ensuring IP secrecy, is now essential.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Trump in recent weeks has expressed frustration with Russia as the war continues, and Friday's meeting could have key implication for peace talks as well as Russia-U.S. relations.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Trump's frustration with Putin appeared to be building as Moscow expanded its ground and long-range strike operations in recent months.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For example, Dell has reportedly tracked VPN usage and badge swipes, frustrating some workers.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2025
  • You might be hurt when your best friend bails at the last minute (again), for instance, or frustrated that your partner never helps clean up after dinner.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ford put on a blood pressure cuff and was alarmed at the results: 151 over 115, with a heartrate of 171.
    Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The decision has alarmed some of Trump's current and former allies in the GOP.
    Micah McCartney John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Some nurses at Palomar Health in North County are expressing their dissatisfaction with a recent executive decision to delay incentive payments that were due on July 4 due to ongoing financial difficulties at the public health care district with hospitals in Escondido and Poway.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Over 40 percent of Republicans cited positive terms related to their party, with 19 percent expressing dissatisfaction.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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