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

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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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

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 daunt California is home to lots of great schools, and picking one can seem daunting. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 For the techies engineering our future, talking to actual women can be a daunting prospect. — Nicholas Clairmont, Air Mail, 10 Oct. 2026 Aside from existential concerns about their careers and livelihoods, trying out the tools can be daunting. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 The blackout was daunting, the southside was loud, but prayers of more Sox October baseball will have to wait another day. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daunt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for daunt

Verb

Clark County officials said the campaign is not intended to discourage voluntary tips, however.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
But flying less can raise operating costs per seat, while pushing prices higher risks discouraging travelers who have already absorbed steep increases.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Some of his closest Middle East advisers, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, had grown frustrated with the Israeli leader.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Luka Doncic’s nonstop arguments with officials and trash talk may frustrate opponents, but his theatrical edge is part of what makes the Lakers star so compelling.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrate

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daughter

daunt

daunted

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“Daunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daunt. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of daunt

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