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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
For the residents of the areas now under Israeli occupation, there's a great sense of despair.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
Democrats rejoiced; Republicans despaired.
—Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
His inquiry surfaces a history of abuse, homophobia, and despair, and the film uses the tragedy to probe questions of moral accountability and collective indifference in Hong Kong.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
For the residents of the areas now under Israeli occupation, there's a great sense of despair.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
As someone who regularly despairs over the choice between a sweet or savory breakfast meal, this was a godsend.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
Democrats rejoiced; Republicans despaired.
—Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
-
Shifting gears confidently into the second half of the season, this week’s episode has a more cohesive feel than the show has been able to manage so far, turning a series of interrelated crises into a Magnolia-esque montage of desperation from most of the major characters.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
3 May 2026
-
But Nelson and other advocates say companies like these aren’t offering a real solution, but are taking advantage of tenants’ desperation.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
To add to their dismay, there isn’t much technological difference between the Connect and the Port.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Outside state lines, the perception of The Big D aligns with the eponymous prime time soap opera saga, often mistaking the Stockyards as within city limits (much to neighboring Fort Worth’s dismay).—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Professor, with only her ex-partner’s cat for company, sits in her decaying apartment and grieves the loss of her relationship and her struggle with infertility.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
-
Group for individuals grieving death of spouse or life partner.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s both comfort in finding myself in that child’s face, and also sadness.—
Benny Peterson,
Vogue,
4 May 2026
-
Amid the sadness and uncertainty, though, one moment captured the aviation community rallying around its own.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite heavy discouragement from local authorities, macaques are unlikely to reduce their junk food consumption, given the popularity of the tourist attraction and their history of interacting with humans dating back to the 18th century.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
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More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In addition to the 18-year-old woman who died, authorities said, others suffered gunshot and shrapnel wounds as dozens of shots were fired at the popular boating, fishing and swimming lake about 20 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City.—
Hannah Schoenbaum,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Rea, who was thrust into the rotation after Cade Horton suffered a season-ending elbow injury that required surgery, allowed two runs, one earned, in 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday.—
Andy Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The other featured a comeback that saw hopelessness turn into jubilation.—
Peter Warren,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
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For her and many other Iranians who spoke to CNN – their surnames withheld to protect their identities – the past three weeks have been filled with a sense of hopelessness and fear.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Decadents love and mourn the fall of Rome.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
Former customers took to social media to mourn or celebrate the airline’s death.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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