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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.

Or you can get riled up with impatience, jealousy and/or dismay with a self-confessed couple who has everything, including $6 million set aside for retirement, and still want advice.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Navarro watched in dismay in 2015 when Trump came down the escalator of the midtown Manhattan skyscraper that bears his name to announce he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Given the level of dismay and frustration, you might assume there would be even more calls for PM's removal.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

In particular, Rep. Lauren Boebert threw her hands up in dismay from her seat in the back corner of the chamber.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

The arrival of Van Helsing’s telegram filled me with dismay.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

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!