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Definitions

dismay

[dis-mey] / dɪsˈmeɪ /
NOUN
disappointed feeling; distress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm anxiety apprehension chagrin consternation disillusionment dread fright horror panic terror trepidation
STRONG
agitation blues bummer discouragement disheartenment downer dumps fear funk hassle letdown upset
WEAK
blue funk cold feet the blahs
Antonyms
STRONGEST
assurance beauty calm calmness composure confidence contentment delight ease happiness joy peace pleasure security tranquility
WEAK
encouragement
VERB
disappoint, fill with consternation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agitate alarm bewilder bother confound daunt disconcert discourage dishearten disillusion dispirit disquiet disturb dumbfound embarrass faze flummox fluster frighten horrify mystify nonplus perplex puzzle rattle scare shake terrify unnerve upset
STRONG
abash affright chill discomfit discompose distress paralyze snafu terrorize throw unhinge
WEAK
foul up get to louse up mess up muck up put off screw up take aback throw into a tizzy underwhelm
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid appease calm clarify clear up comfort delight embolden encourage enlighten explain explicate gladden hearten help inspirit make happy order placate please quiet reassure settle soothe
STRONG
incite
WEAK
assure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also flew a helicopter between his 2,670-acre ranch in Utah and other properties, sometimes to the dismay of his neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

To prove her wrong, Ledger flips it on anyway and to his dismay, it plays one bummer after another, station after station, until finally, the two of them share a much-needed laugh.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

The developer announced that from 19 March the price of V-Bucks will increase, to fans dismay, while bonus currency rewards will also be removed from the game's main battle pass.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Some activists have expressed dismay over Guadalajara's hosting of the World Cup.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

It was unclear who exactly had been cursed, the lizard or the French, but a permanent-seeming curse it turned out to be, to the dismay of both reptile and country.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Vocabulary lists containing dismay

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!