consternation

noun

Definition of consternationnext
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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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 consternation OpenAI has been a source of concentration risk—and consternation over the lack of clarity—for analysts and investors for both its revenue-sharing deal with Microsoft, and how much of Azure’s growth was dependent on OpenAI. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 30 July 2026 To the consternation of some, the bill still contains curbs on what states can regulate on their own — basically carving out AI regulation as federal turf. — Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 Investors have followed Burnham's path to 10 Downing Street with some consternation, amid fears of a leftward lurch by Labour and a more fiscally loose approach to public spending. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 23 July 2026 Big Sky's newfound identity as a locus of wealth and power has caused consternation among some longtime residents, but many welcome the new energy. — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consternation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consternation
  1. dismay
  2. tension
  3. panic
  4. unease
  5. distress
Noun
  • Locals sought to protect the land, which had long housed a storied artist residency program, from development, but in the end the foundation sold it to the South Seas resort for $45 million, to the dismay of many.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • We’re filled with dismay at the hard left turn the Democratic Party has been taking in this primary season, and El-Sayed’s narrow win is still a win.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • Rising interfaith tensions and crime have driven many of the area’s Christians to emigrate, several said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Debbie intervenes to defuse the tension, then gets distracted by the presence of her nemesis, Cha Cha.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • Cripps said her son was in Japan competing in a sporting event but called her in a panic.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The answer isn't panic, protectionism or slogans about winning the future.
    — Will Conaway, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of panic
Noun
  • According to Mukkamala, those professional challenges heighten the personal unease some clinicians feel treating addiction patients.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Such talk seemed fanciful until this week, despite long-term unease with Infantino’s style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects.
    — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • The lawsuit requests damages of $10 million for past and future physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
    — Madison Lambert, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuits seek damages for wrongful death, economic loss and emotional distress, Crump said.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of distress

Browse Nearby Words

constellations
consternation
constituent
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Cite this Entry

“Consternation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consternation. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of consternation for Spanish Speakers

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