DESPERATE Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'desperate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of desperate are despairing , despondent , and hopeless . While all these words mean "having lost all or nearly all hope," desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration. // one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

Q: Where would 'despairing' be a reasonable alternative to 'desperate'?

While the synonyms despairing and desperate are close in meaning, despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency. // despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

Q: When might 'despondent' be a better fit than 'desperate'?

The words despondent and desperate can be used in similar contexts, but despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort. // despondent about yet another rejection

Q: In what contexts can 'hopeless' take the place of 'desperate'?

The meanings of hopeless and desperate largely overlap; however, hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation. // the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

desperate

adjective

ˈde-sp(ə-)rət

Definition of desperate next

as in hopeless

feeling or showing no hope desperate cancer patients who are vulnerable to the claims of unscrupulous quacks

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How does the adjective desperate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of desperate are despairing, despondent, and hopeless. While all these words mean "having lost all or nearly all hope," desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

Where would despairing be a reasonable alternative to desperate?

While the synonyms despairing and desperate are close in meaning, despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

When might despondent be a better fit than desperate?

The words despondent and desperate can be used in similar contexts, but despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection

In what contexts can hopeless take the place of desperate?

The meanings of hopeless and desperate largely overlap; however, hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of desperate On the floor above a woman sweeps the floor, an act of absurdity that doubles as bravery, the whole scene a desperate attempt at normalcy in a world that has become anything but. —

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Kennedy has argued that the 13 separate agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services, including the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institute of Health, are in desperate need of reform. —

Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 The first pits the Indianapolis Colts against the Minnesota Vikings, two teams in desperate need of a victory, on Sunday Night Football. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 With the youth mental health crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and school violence affecting more K-12 students nationwide, teachers are desperate for a solution, experts say. —

Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for desperate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperate

Adjective

His performance, inhabiting the sad, addicted, stricken, sick and hopeless romantic Lee is already being lauded as Oscar season begins.

Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024
The cyclical nature of symptoms can leave you feeling hopeless and out of control.

Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024