DAUNT Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'daunt' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daunt are appall , dismay , and horrify . While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage. // a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Q: When could 'appall' be used to replace 'daunt'?

In some situations, the words appall and daunt are roughly equivalent. However, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks. // I am appalled by your behavior

Q: When is 'dismay' a more appropriate choice than 'daunt'?

While the synonyms dismay and daunt are close in meaning, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something. // dismayed at the size of the job

Q: When might 'horrify' be a better fit than 'daunt'?

The words horrify and daunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion. // was horrified by such wanton cruelty

daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt

Definition of daunt

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment

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How does the verb daunt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daunt are appall, dismay, and horrify. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

When could appall be used to replace daunt?

In some situations, the words appall and daunt are roughly equivalent. However, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

When is dismay a more appropriate choice than daunt?

While the synonyms dismay and daunt are close in meaning, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

When might horrify be a better fit than daunt?

The words horrify and daunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

Example Sentences

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 daunt Procrastination problem Putting off tasks that feel daunting might seem harmless. — Gina Park, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 That ambiguity is echoed in Banks’ score, which takes on the tone of a lament and a celebration, frustration and hope, struggle and liberation, the quest for transcendence in the face of the challenges posed by daunting inequities. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 That shows absolute belief in his method, which is a daunting prospect for his opponents, who have previously relied on doubt, causing Zverev to tighten and not hit out in attacking positions. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Even so, no shows were ever as daunting as their four-night run at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum in June. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daunt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for daunt

Verb

This altruistic philosophy, however, doesn't discourage Obeid from partnering with, or promoting trendy food businesses.

— Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Moving these forces back from the likely front would keep its options open and discourage risk-taking by eastern NATO members.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Conservative political analyst Melik Abdul agreed with Tindell, telling CNN as a Black Mississippi native he has been frustrated by how Crump has zeroed in on race in the Wells case.

— Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Jolly has pitched himself to voters as someone offering a tent for Floridians who are independents, Republicans and Democrats frustrated with the status quo of a political zeitgeist that prioritizes polarization and stokes riots rather than uniting.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrate

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

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