Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The co-owner of the Swiss bar hit by a deadly fire during New Year celebrations was released from custody on Friday after bail was paid on his behalf, dismaying victims' families.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

No American orchestra of San Diego’s merit or promise under its rising star music director, Rafael Payare, had been stuck in so dismaying a venue as Symphony Towers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2024

Within that sphere we’re treated to a voice performance by Woods that is a small, hilarious, somewhat dismaying tour de force.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2024

It is dismaying that when a cougar kills livestock that the solution is to kill the cougar.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 10, 2023

The discovery that we are, as one investigator phrased it, living in a “sea of carcinogens” is of course dismaying and may easily lead to reactions of despair and defeatism.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson