Synonyms

displease

American

[dis-pleez] / dɪsˈpliz /

verb (used with object)

displeased, displeasing

to incur the dissatisfaction, dislike, or disapproval of; offend; annoy.

His reply displeased the judge.

verb (used without object)

displeased, displeasing

to be unpleasant; cause displeasure.

Bad weather displeases.

displease British

/ dɪsˈpliːz /

verb

to annoy, offend, or cause displeasure to (someone)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

displeasing adjective
displeasingly adverb
displeasingness noun
self-displeased adjective

Etymology

Origin of displease

1300–50; Middle English desplesen < Anglo-French, Middle French desplaisir. See dis- ¹, please

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.

In this case—and however much it may displease conspiracy theorists—there is no mystery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

This change may displease some, but for those being vigilant about their health and would like more transparency about the food they are eating, it's a welcome change.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2023

Mr Mitsotakis said the decision had "tortured" him but he felt a "heavy responsibility in standing next to those most vulnerable, even if it might fleetingly displease them".

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2021

Independent filmmakers, she said, are “not going to compromise and will show the truth” – and hence displease the Taliban.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2021

My absences were beginning to displease Gertrude and she grew testy with me.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023