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
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
The demonstration was in solidarity with protests in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca as people shared their dismay about travelers in their country by spraying them with water guns.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Eileen Finan, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
We were dismayed by the state of Chicago’s premiere art palace, for everything from closing its doors for two days a week to shutting down its restaurants and food services, and firing the docents who provided tours and hosted thousands of visitors so diligently for so many years.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Noun
Swift’s dismay about a powerful ex became a fable for any girl courted by an older guy.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
The demonstration was in solidarity with protests in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca as people shared their dismay about travelers in their country by spraying them with water guns.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
But the singer was dismayed that his looks seemed to receive nearly as much attention as his music.
—Eileen Finan, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
We were dismayed by the state of Chicago’s premiere art palace, for everything from closing its doors for two days a week to shutting down its restaurants and food services, and firing the docents who provided tours and hosted thousands of visitors so diligently for so many years.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
-
Biden and, by extension, Harris will be remembered even and perhaps especially by Democrats as symbolizing disappointment and defeat.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Added to this was a disillusioning disappointment with the mechanisms of the art world.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As France awaits its next prime minister, Bacharan says many people are in despair over the uncertainty this has brought on the country.—
Eleanor Beardsley,
NPR,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Mauricio says his wife didn’t give in to that despair and felt reassured by having a work permit.—
Gustavo Valdés,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At first, the results were discouraging.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
-
If the task is itself a learning activity that develops skills or forces cognitive engagement, discourage AI use.—
Dave Tucker,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
-
As far as pricing is concerned, while multiple reports suggested that Apple may hike prices this year to offset tariff pressure, a JPMorgan report indicates the opposite.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There have been frustrations over how long the process has taken, with the leadership uncertainty further complicated by the exit of CEO Alex Mahon over the summer.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Poor Harriet, a gallery assistant who has been harassed since the pilot, gets the brunt of Laura’s frustration.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ciccone was frustrated to find research was largely focused on boys.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
It’s left supporters on Capitol Hill delighted, frustrated, or wondering what’s next.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The growing interest in geoengineering has alarmed some scientists, including Martin Siegert, a glaciologist at the University of Exeter in England and lead author of the new study.—
Alec Luhn,
Scientific American,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Continue reading … SHEEN COMES CLEAN – Charlie Sheen reveals how his massive drug habit alarmed the drug cartel supplying him.—
,
FOXNews.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Married women, however, report higher stress, less freedom, and greater dissatisfaction.—
Vanessa Bennett,
SELF,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The mass protests started in response to the ban—which was lifted on Tuesday, September 9—but have since broadened into an expression of dissatisfaction with the country's political leadership and alleged corruption.—
Robert Birsel
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share