DISMAY Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dismay 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dismay next

as in disappointment

the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met filled with dismay at not making the finals

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in despair

the state of being discouraged in my dismay I failed to realize that there would be other chances

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dismay

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈmā

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of the imposing climb up the mountain dismayed us even before we got started

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as in to concern

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy parents who became increasingly dismayed by their son's foundering marriage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dismay

Noun

Much to the dismay of Ilona Maher fans, Graziadei and partner Jenna Johnson took home the coveted Mirrorball trophy. —

Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024 But there was dismay for the Commanders as Seibert hooked the kick and another miracle Washington comeback fell by the wayside. —

Ben Morse, CNN, 25 Nov. 2024

Verb

Biden also said he was dismayed at former President Donald Trump's Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. —

Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024 Certainly not Mahomes-like numbers, but he that won’t deter or dismay him as the Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 7-0. —

Andy Scholes, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

In healthy relationships, partners address frustration or disappointment through communication, not blame or distance.

Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Overpromising or manipulating emotions can lead to disappointment and distrust.

Somdutta Singh, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024