CONSTERNATIONS Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

consternation

noun

Definition of consternation

as in dismay

formal a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue. Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college.

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of consternation Most of the consternation comes from fans who believe their favorite team or conference is being under-ranked or under-represented, so if that's your particular gripe, fear not. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 There’s much consternation about Vita Vea wanting to be traded. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 The star dimmed tremendously in late 2019, not returning to its typical brightness until early 2020, which caused much consternation among stargazers. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026 The source of Acclivus’ consternation in the emails with Lee stemmed from the health department issuing an award letter for the group showing the organization would get $8,091,916, while a separate scope of work document listed $8,982,779. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consternation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation

Noun

In an appearance on Semafor’s Mixed Signals in the wake of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s win, Piker expressed dismay at being invoked in intra-Democratic debates.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Over the last six years, the pair have made a series of explosive allegations about what life was like inside the monarchy, much to the dismay of many members of the British royal family.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

This week, Shin stated that despite easing US-Iran tensions, inflation in South Korea is expected to remain elevated for a prolonged period.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The two deaths linked to measles that Pennsylvania health officials announced this week set off a flurry of political sparring, misinformation and confusion that only added to the tension over the country’s highest measles burden in 35 years.

— Jason Kane, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

There’s a lot of panic right now about the bumpy intersection of artificial intelligence and art-making.

— Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of panic

Noun

Years later, the actress Jenny McCarthy popularized the idea that parental unease about vaccines was being dismissed by the medical establishment.

— Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Bocarsly acknowledged why government collection of Jewish identity data can create unease.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of unease

Noun

Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
He was found kneeling in front of a piano and striking the keys, in apparent distress.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of distress

Browse Nearby Words

constellations

consternation

constituent

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“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of consternation

noun

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