DAUNT Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'daunt' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daunt are appall , dismay , and horrify . While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage. // a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Q: When could 'appall' be used to replace 'daunt'?

In some situations, the words appall and daunt are roughly equivalent. However, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks. // I am appalled by your behavior

Q: When is 'dismay' a more appropriate choice than 'daunt'?

While the synonyms dismay and daunt are close in meaning, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something. // dismayed at the size of the job

Q: When might 'horrify' be a better fit than 'daunt'?

The words horrify and daunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion. // was horrified by such wanton cruelty

daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt

Definition of daunt next

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb daunt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daunt are appall, dismay, and horrify. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

When could appall be used to replace daunt?

In some situations, the words appall and daunt are roughly equivalent. However, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

When is dismay a more appropriate choice than daunt?

While the synonyms dismay and daunt are close in meaning, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

When might horrify be a better fit than daunt?

The words horrify and daunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

Examples 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 daunt If consumers overwhelmingly prefer to speak to a live person, this can prove to be daunting task for banks. —

Gary Drenik, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Countries everywhere face daunting socioeconomic challenges. —

Børge Brende, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2020 The team, just getting off the ground with initial seed funding, faces an uphill battle to strike a successful business model in Oakland — a city with daunting crime challenges and nearly abandoned by professional sports. —

Alex Sherman, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2024 Although Netflix and Edelman maintain final cut of the film, a Prince documentary without his music would face daunting, if not insurmountable, creative and commercial obstacles. —

Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for daunt