Dismay
mediumdis-MAY
noun
Definition
Concern and distress caused by something unexpected
Examples
“She watched in dismay as her car was towed away.”
“To his dismay, he had forgotten his wallet at home.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Dismay is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "consternation" or "alarm" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "delight".
Related GRE Words
consternation
A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
contempt
The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
daunt
To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive
apprehension
Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
elation
Great happiness and exhilaration
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