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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to concern

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of dismay

Noun

The shades customers can expect to see return for a limited time include Dandelion, which was infamously retired in 2017—to the dismay of many, many fans. —

Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Feb. 2025 Chung Sung-Jun / Getty Images The announcement prompted dismay among senior officials and diplomats at a private event in Washington on Tuesday evening. —

Alexander Smith, NBC News, 5 Feb. 2025

Verb

Local Democrats said they were dismayed by the appointment. —

James Barron, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 During a recent trip out to see a friend living in Camden, however, Gilbert was dismayed to discover not everyone is quite so enamored with him. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dismay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismay

Noun

But Sotheby’s is playing the long game; any disappointment felt by the luxury department at the end of play on Saturday is likely to be soothed by lasting gain in the region.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 10 Feb. 2025
Missing any part of 4 Nations would be a big disappointment for Crosby, who has distinguished himself as arguably Canada’s greatest international men’s ice hockey player.

— Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025