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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.

Perhaps to spare readers even more dismay, she reserves her critical scrutiny for cells, chronicling their nasty competitive struggles in vivid detail, while largely overlooking these same inconvenient realities in science.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The room was comfortable, with a large shower, and I loved that the windows opened slightly — always a win for me — though the AC wouldn’t go below 67 degrees, much to my dismay.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

"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

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

The next day, I checked on my goldfish, Ethan, but to my dismay, he was floating on his side in his small mixing bowl.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing dismay

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