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

Examples 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 Full Story Consumer watchdog faces daunting future under Trump The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is headed for a rocky future under President-elect Trump. Aris Folley, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024 In today’s fiercely competitive and unpredictable market, even the most iconic brands face daunting challenges. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Week after week, another top-notch opponent appears on the Panthers’ daunting national schedule. Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2024 After arriving in this country, the families face daunting challenges and hardship, including lack of resources, complex immigration laws and a harsh political environment. Jim Harrington, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for daunt 

Thesaurus Entries Near daunt

Cite this Entry

“Daunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daunt. Accessed 20 Jan. 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!