Synonyms of daunt

daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt 

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

• discourage
• frustrate
• intimidate
• frighten
• dishearten
• unnerve
• scare
• dispirit
• bother
• worry
• demoralize
• dismay
• afflict
• horrify
• unman
• trouble
• try
• weigh
• chill
• browbeat
• distress
• sadden
• weaken
• throw cold water on
• bully
• undermine
• cow
• depress
• vex
• dampen
• deaden
• irk
• debilitate
• damp
• enfeeble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• nerve
• steel
• cheer
• embolden
• hearten
• enliven
• enforce
• strengthen
• assure
• reinforce
• gladden
• animate
• excite
• reassure
• fortify
• invigorate
• stimulate
• inspire
• provoke
• buoy (up)
• stir
• lift
• quicken
• energize
• boost
• rally
• galvanize

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of daunt

This practice might be daunting as your mind runs through all the ways someone could scratch, chip, or break the precious items, but that’s half the importance. — Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

This year has seen major cost-cutting at the WHO and the financing issue will continue to be daunting, said Moon. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026

Speaking to reporters separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the challenge is daunting but not impossible to meet. — Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

The Bihl Manor house was built in 1898 and had sat vacant long enough for its underlying issues to become as daunting as its terrifying atmosphere. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026