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 The ban came without rhyme or reason, aside from Trump expressing consternation over coverage and threatening further bans against other networks. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026 His injury-riddled tenure in Boston has warranted that consternation. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Much of their consternation stems from the fact that the DWP plan provides no specifics about where the hydrogen will come from, or how the highly combustible material will be transported to the power plant and stored there. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 The trade drew consternation from many Dallas fans who were critical of the team's decision to trade away the now-27-year-old face of the franchise. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consternation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation

Noun

To his dismay, many of the exultant people in cowboy hats, burnt orange T-shirts and other spirit gear appeared to be of South Asian heritage.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Holmes denies having said it, and the remark isn’t on the couple’s own recordings of the interviews in question, but, to their dismay, the article’s editor, after reviewing the journalist’s notes, stands by the reporting.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

Their presence has fueled social tensions in Ceuta and become a political issue across Spain, where opposition parties hope to use migration concerns to unseat the progressive government in next month's elections.

— JOSEPH WILSON, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Despite seeking international support and launching a new military offensive, Saudi Arabia faces a conflict with no clear endgame, as fragmented allies and unresolved regional tensions make a lasting solution hard to achieve.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

When the line between general unease with not knowing crosses into anxiety that interferes with daily life, people should seek professional help, said Dugas.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Beyond elevated yield levels, the widening spread between French and German benchmark sovereign bonds reflects growing investor unease over France's fiscal trajectory and debt servicing capacity.

— , CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of unease

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constellations

consternation

constituent

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“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of consternation

noun

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