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 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 After widespread complaints and consternation around the 2026 FIFA World Cup from European fans, commentators, and certain domestic sportswriters, there's no question that this year's tournament has been a gigantic, tremendous success. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 There had been consternation in the buildup to this World Cup hosted by the United States (mostly), Canada and Mexico. — Miami Herald, 12 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
  • For Washington, this appears as to be seen as an understanding that the two sides will continue to communicate and manage tensions.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Because the hive-minded beings communicate telepathically, re-recording mixer Larry Benjamin explained that the world often becomes unnaturally quiet, forcing the sound team to rethink where tension and comedy originate.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 7 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on consternation

Nglish: Translation of consternation for Spanish Speakers

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