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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
Their reality has been shredded; they are literally demoralized, with the exception of one man, Pabst’s assistant, a scrupulous fellow who goes mad with dismay. David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025 In March, college officials watched in dismay as the Department of Homeland Security began quietly removing the records of thousands of foreign students from a federal immigration database. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
On one end of the spectrum, institutional investors are dismayed at the company’s pullback from its ambitious climate targets. Justin Worland, Time, 18 Apr. 2025 However, alarmed and dismayed by Trump’s expressed goal of annexing Greenland, some in Copenhagen now regret that procurement, Business Insider reported. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay
Noun
  • The best way to overcome a year of disappointment is, of course, to challenge again, which is precisely the thought on Arteta’s mind.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Her tough coach, her mother Wang Shuang (Ma Yili) can’t hide her disappointment.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2025
  • Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.
    Daniel A.C. McBride, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • State wildlife biologists and Parks and Wildlife officials said killing the wolf is meant to change pack behavior by discouraging the predators from targeting livestock.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
  • That guidance similarly discourages blanket exclusions and encourages individualized assessments that consider the nature of the offense, its recency, and its relevance to the job.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Regulators and watchdogs have also long been concerned about donations from individuals with ties to foreign interests.
    Brian Slodysko, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Overnight, officials were primarily concerned with high levels of volcanic gas such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide that can have far-reaching effects downwind.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Trump has expressed growing frustration with the rulings.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Tyler expresses frustration in hearing that from him and not from Brandon and Theresa themselves.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Musk was reportedly frustrated about OpenAI being part of the deal and allegedly warned G42 officials on a call that Trump would not sign off on a deal unless his company xAI was included.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • His Democratic Party predecessor, Moon Jae-in, had three years with a near supermajority in the legislature but had his agenda frustrated by party colleagues with little appetite for painful corrective measures.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, in an email, said that he was alarmed by the decision to cut the funding, adding that many Missourians in need of behavioral health care come to Kansas City.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
  • The warning follows a concerning rise in measles cases nationally, with a significant outbreak in Texas that has alarmed public health officials.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew won his reelection bid Saturday, edging out two rival candidates who challenged the longtime incumbent over his handling of retiree healthcare and dissatisfaction with the status quo.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
  • But now multiple families of girls who have already been displaced by a trans athlete at previous meets have spoken out against the federation, expressing dissatisfaction with the changes.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dismay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dismay. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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