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
Zuckerberg spelled out his vision of free speech at Georgetown in 2019, to the consternation and shock of the Left; Facebook then proceeded to cave, engaging in mass censorship.
—
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The Trump administration’s desire to make Greenland part of the US has caused considerable consternation among the Indigenous population of just 57,000 people—though this isn’t the first time that America has made a bid for ownership of this gargantuan Arctic landmass.
—Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 10 Feb. 2025
Before its collapse, the governing coalition caused consternation in Brussels when both the Labour Party and the euroskeptic Center Party opposed the renewal of two ageing energy transmission cables exporting power to neighboring Denmark, prompting accusations of energy nationalism.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
Cowboy Carter, a genre-blending opus that caused consternation in the country-music world, is one example of that approach.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The Trump administration’s desire to make Greenland part of the US has caused considerable consternation among the Indigenous population of just 57,000 people—though this isn’t the first time that America has made a bid for ownership of this gargantuan Arctic landmass.
—Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 10 Feb. 2025
Before its collapse, the governing coalition caused consternation in Brussels when both the Labour Party and the euroskeptic Center Party opposed the renewal of two ageing energy transmission cables exporting power to neighboring Denmark, prompting accusations of energy nationalism.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
Cowboy Carter, a genre-blending opus that caused consternation in the country-music world, is one example of that approach.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
Noun
-
Townsend was adjudged to have fouled Richie Saunders, to the dismay of the vocal home crowd.—
Ben Morse,
CNN,
24 Feb. 2025
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Much to the dismay of proud Gen X viewers, many do.—
Mara Reinstein,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Balanced mid palate with slight tension between acidity and the chunky red and black fruits.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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Pakistan is the host of this tournament, though tensions between the nation and India have led to some matches taking place in Dubai.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That’s understandably caused some panic among the fan base.—
Cory Lavalette,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Spreading moral panic Trump is already actively deploying a key tactic in expanding mass surveillance: causing moral panics.—
Brittany Friedman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Despite scoring four goals in 11 first-half minutes, there was a sense of unease around St James’ Park in the second half before Newcastle United finally saw out victory against Nottingham Forest.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Existential unease permeated the festival program, though the Forum — the section dedicated to more experimental works — conjured this mood at the most forceful, and visually transportive, register.—
Beatrice Loayza,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Yarden appeared to be in extreme distress in the video and was very likely speaking under duress.—
Mick Krever,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
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The smuggling operations also can cause psychological distress and confinement in small spaces, which can cause injury and even death.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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