as in dismay
formal
a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion
The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue. Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college.
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Recent Examples of consternation
The consternation in Berlin over Ukraine’s use of German armour in Russia and the stasis in the government on producing a budget in the context of fiscal constraints suggest policy paralysis.
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Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
Businesses reacted with consternation at the time, warning that the measures — intended to boost growth — would instead push up inflation and slow hiring.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Tartt’s anger brought me no pleasure, only consternation.
—Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
To the consternation of us Colorado natives and those who live in mountain communities, inconsiderate people have spoiled a rite of autumn — leaf peeping.
—Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for consternation 
Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
Businesses reacted with consternation at the time, warning that the measures — intended to boost growth — would instead push up inflation and slow hiring.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Tartt’s anger brought me no pleasure, only consternation.
—Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
To the consternation of us Colorado natives and those who live in mountain communities, inconsiderate people have spoiled a rite of autumn — leaf peeping.
—Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
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Fans of the show shared their dismay at Nease's answer on social media.Latoya Gayle, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
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It was announced in September that Lamar would headline the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans — much to the dismay of rappers who said Lil Wayne should have been given the gig as a hometown favorite.Char Adams, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The episode opens with Dr. Jackie confronting Heavenly over her coarse comments about Contessa’s late mother—a moment that’s left tensions running high.Shelby Stewart, Essence, 6 Jan. 2025
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Biden's last-minute rejection of the deal suggests growing governmental tensions between maintaining domestic control over key industries and fostering international investment.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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David Ornstein has been activated and all of The Athletic’s club reporters are on the case as your team makes that shrewd addition/flamboyantly overpays for a panic buy/makes that weird loan signing to keep an agent sweet.Nick Miller, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
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As Kinch went to retrieve it, Williams felt panic grip his chest.Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
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With Butler offering his Thursday postgame comments shortly after coach Erik Spoelstra downplayed, and even dismissed, Heat concerns about simmering tensions and unease, there has yet to be a team response to Butler’s distress.Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025
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Foreign direct investment in India had dropped by an astonishing 43 percent in the preceding year, partly thanks to high borrowing costs and unease about the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The law applies specifically if there is intent to cause serious emotional distress to the person that is depicted in the image.Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
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American’s logo was an upside-down American flag—both an SOS signal of distress and a statement of opposition, depending on who’s using it.Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near consternation
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
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