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
Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
In my case, that person who was in mind-numbing pain, unable to read, unable to write, unable to Google things or look at screens, unable to drive, drained by talking on the phone, spiraling in despair, and barely able to leave the house had to navigate the American health-care system.
—Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Although searching for a job and avoiding layoffs is stressful, don't despair.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
Despite her own challenges—including working a low-paying job, recent personal losses, mental health struggles, and living in an isolated area—Warner remains committed to keeping the conversation from ending in despair.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
In my case, that person who was in mind-numbing pain, unable to read, unable to write, unable to Google things or look at screens, unable to drive, drained by talking on the phone, spiraling in despair, and barely able to leave the house had to navigate the American health-care system.
—Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
Families of children with disabilities have despaired over what could come of the federal department’s work protecting their rights.
—Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Although searching for a job and avoiding layoffs is stressful, don't despair.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
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But most of the messages were laced with an unmistakable desperation about the precarious state of the country’s health care workers — and how no one was telling their story.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
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Sources close to Emery felt PSG’s desperation to win the Champions League could, at times, be all-consuming.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Leitch expressed his dismay at the lack of recognition for stunt performers during an interview with Entertainment Weekly last year.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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In France, dismay at Mr. Trump’s policies is widespread and the national mood is uneasy.—
Roger Cohen,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Tom Richard Santos with John of Sherwood: After the death of Robin Hood, a grieving Little John returns to his ancestral Celtic tribe to protect it from the corrupt Church bent on stealing its land — and to confront the dark truth of his crimes as a Merry Man.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
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Not just consuming but diving in, getting outraged, grieving, swooning.—
Leila Herrmann,
Vogue,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But comparing your financial journey to others’ successes can lead to discouragement.—
Brian Kelly,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Those types of plays transform the Bulls offense — cracking open a defensive setup, sending a jolt of discouragement through an opposing defender.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Americans who use the stock market to save for retirement and college suffered days of angst.—
Time,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
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Another regular problem was an issue on Tuesday, too: Madrid suffered from the absence of players and a general lack of squad depth.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Also, the episode opens with the introduction of Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby with a group of Fireflies, seemingly mourning the losses at the hospital where Joel murdered everyone to save Ellie.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
13 Apr. 2025
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Dominican communities, which are heavily Christian, will celebrate the holidays while mourning the Jet Set roof collapse.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His eyes filled with sorrow as his mom gave Lola all the attention.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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Emotions and sorrow were palpable even though Prine has been dead for nearly five years.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Draisaitl has played three games since getting hurt against Utah on March 18.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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By the time a tooth starts hurting, the problem is usually more advanced, requiring more extensive treatment.—
Towncare Dental,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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