displease

verb

dis·​please (ˌ)dis-ˈplēz How to pronounce displease (audio)
displeased; displeasing; displeases
Synonyms of displeasenext

transitive verb

1
: to incur the disapproval or dislike of especially by annoying
their gossip displeases her
2
: to be offensive to
abstract art displeases him

intransitive verb

: to give displeasure
behavior calculated to displease

Synonyms

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Examples of displease in a Sentence

her coworkers' tendency to pry displeased her
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
They are audience-captured in two directions—pleasing Trump would mean displeasing their audiences, and vice versa—leaving them to make an awkward choice. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2025 Snyder’s emphasis on moral mythology in those artistic blockbusters confused cultural gatekeepers, displeasing fanboys of Marvel and The Dark Knight. — Armond White, National Review, 18 July 2025 Humphrey would no doubt be displeased with the outcome in Trump v. Wilcox. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 29 May 2025 George, displeased that the Clippers would only offer a three-year deal, bounced for Philadelphia on a four-year max. — Sam Amick, New York Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for displease

Word History

Etymology

Middle English displesen, from Anglo-French despleisir, desplere, from des- dis- + pleisir to please — more at please

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of displease was in the 14th century

Rhymes for displease

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Browse Nearby Words

displeasant
displease
displeasedly
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Cite this Entry

“Displease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/displease. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

displease

verb
dis·​please (ˈ)dis-ˈplēz How to pronounce displease (audio)
: to cause to feel disapproval, dislike, or annoyance
was displeased by the delay

More from Merriam-Webster on displease

Nglish: Translation of displease for Spanish Speakers

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