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Showing results for dismay. Search instead for dismay/2.
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.

"I assume full responsibility for this defeat," an ashen-faced Jospin announced, bowing out of politics to howls of dismay from supporters.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Hispanic leaders have expressed dismay at the allegations and several other organizations have canceled or altered planned events honoring Chavez.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

After Nexstar Media Group announced layoffs at KTLA-TV this week, some viewers have expressed shock and dismay over losing several longtime local broadcast journalists at the station.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

At this point Williams located the report and "stated his dismay" at the admission of guilt.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

They shouted in dismay and shock and looked for the old man.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.