daunt

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb daunt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daunt are appall, dismay, and horrify. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

When could appall be used to replace daunt?

In some situations, the words appall and daunt are roughly equivalent. However, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

When is dismay a more appropriate choice than daunt?

While the synonyms dismay and daunt are close in meaning, 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 might horrify be a better fit than daunt?

The words horrify and daunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 daunt The daunting ascent up the shifting ship was nothing new for Captain Hallax, 73. Silvana Paternostro Nathalia Angarita, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Scientists such as Church were not daunted by the difficulty of the science or the ethical thickets involved. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 The House Settlement Agreement The prospects of losing such an antitrust case are daunting for the NCAA. Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 While autopilot exists, understanding its functions and activating it in a crisis can be daunting. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daunt

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daunt. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on daunt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!