daunting 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of dauntingnext
as in discouraging

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Dissimilar Words

daunting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of daunt
as in frustrating
to lessen the courage or confidence of the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 daunting
Adjective
And while that was a bit daunting, Aster says Barbie’s impressive history was actually a blessing in disguise. — Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 If the mandoline method is too daunting, try making thin zucchini ribbons with a vegetable peeler. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
Miguel says the problems facing rural populations can be daunting. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 They'll all be divided in separate tribes, where the players will navigate life on an island, compete in daunting physical challenges, form alliances and vote each other out. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daunting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daunting
  1. discouraging
  2. frustrating
  3. troublesome
  4. dismaying
  5. disconcerting
  6. disheartening
  7. dispiriting
  8. demoralizing
Adjective
  • Then a rough 2025, a crowded rotation in 2026 and a discouraging bullpen stint led Pfaadt back to Reno.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • However, there is nothing more discouraging than bringing home a piece of salmon from the grocery store and opening it up to a slight fishy smell.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of discouraging
Verb
  • But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Definition of frustrating
Adjective
  • Offensive line depth remains troublesome The lack of depth on the Dolphins’ offensive line has been problematic for the past decade because an offensive line is only as good as its weakest link.
    — Omar Kelly August 24, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Iranian regime has been killing troublesome exiles since the Islamic Revolution, in 1979.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of troublesome
Adjective
  • Most dismaying to me was the group’s seemingly endless tinkering with the menu at Rowdy Rooster, its fast-casual fried-chicken spot, including a downgrade in the chicken’s range of heat.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • Some recent comments from longtime Voicers have been especially dismaying.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
Definition of dismaying
Adjective
  • Ultimately, swarms of AI could combine in rather disconcerting and dangerous ways.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There was a brief, disconcerting interlude of quiet from the Argentina fans after that.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of disconcerting
Adjective
  • Amid disheartening and disruptive school closures and thousands of position cuts districts have been forced to implement due to million-dollar budget shortfalls, vacancies have continued to climb.
    — Andrew Spar, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • This has been especially disheartening because the strategy and RPG elements the series is known for have so far been excellent.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disheartening
Adjective
  • And the movie ends with one of the most dispiriting twists in mainstream movie history.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That said, the more dispiriting possibility is that Gluck as a creator has gradually become too insulated from the industry’s rougher edges to recognize that his work makes an impact regardless of his intentions.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispiriting
Adjective
  • Suddenly, in this most demoralizing scenario, USC is out of the Playoff picture at the halfway point of the season.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
  • On top of all that, having to say this again and again is demoralizing.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of demoralizing

Browse Nearby Words

daunted
daunting
dauntless
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Cite this Entry

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

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