1
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the endless drought drove the farmers to despair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dismay
the state of being discouraged
the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grieve
to lose all hope or confidence
we despaired when we saw how little time we had left to complete our project
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despair
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 May 2025
The film aims to inspire action and stave off despair with a reminder that the most powerful tool younger generations can wield is their imagination.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 2 May 2025
In a recent interview with the Korea Times Bae talked about the kind of societal expectations that might drive a young person to despair.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
In his work, a veil of purposefulness hides the despair.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 May 2025
The film aims to inspire action and stave off despair with a reminder that the most powerful tool younger generations can wield is their imagination.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Verb
The cost of housing in America is so high that many Americans despair of ever owning a home.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 2 May 2025
In a recent interview with the Korea Times Bae talked about the kind of societal expectations that might drive a young person to despair.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
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Though the film doesn’t have an outwardly strong political message, it’s set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding an extra layer of desperation to O’Connor’s character.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
23 May 2025
-
And to think, that breakout had come entirely out of desperation for pitching depth.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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If this is what FIFA had in mind when the governing body created the 32-team tournament, much to the initial dismay of players and clubs alike, well, so far so good.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
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To the dismay of some, and the thrill of others, Bill Gates recently announced his decision to sunset the foundation in 20 years and distribute $200 billion of its assets – and his personal fortune – to achieve three goals: No mom, child, or baby dies of a preventable disease.—
Timothy J. McClimon,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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See how these teens are grieving — and healing — together.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
29 May 2025
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You are allowed to grieve the version of love that existed uniquely between the two of you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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Similarly, entrepreneurs should extract valuable insights from rejections while discarding the discouragement.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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And the emotional toll and anxiety keep mounting up: discouragement, depression, and a reluctance to even try anymore.—
Robin Ryan,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Verb
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Ryan Garcia reportedly suffered a hand injury ahead of his unanimous-decision loss to Rolly Romero on May 2 in New York.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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The socialite — who currently lives between Paris, Monte Carlo and Rome — appeared to suffer the injuries just days after attending the Monaco Grand Prix over Memorial Day weekend.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Mahaffey's husband, actor and director Joseph Kell, mourned her death in a statement to EW.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
31 May 2025
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But while friends and family of the teen mourned her premature death, anti-trans commentators on X turned Fosgate’s last posts into an whirlwind of transphobia — misgendering her, mocking her, and celebrating her family’s loss.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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While the brand quickly became synonymous with the 1990s UK music scene—having Liam Gallagher sport them on-stage certainly didn’t hurt—the aughts saw the business’s fortunes recede and its manufacturing go overseas.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
2 June 2025
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ISPs have frequently pointed out that terminating customer accounts would hurt people using the same account as someone accused of piracy.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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