1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
he sank into a crushing despond after his wife left him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
utter loss of hope
loss of his job threw him into a deep despond
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to despair
to lose all hope or confidence
we must not despond even though we live in trying times
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despond
Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
The slough of Mardenborough's despond comes towards the end of the film when a crash at the Nürburgring results in the death of a spectator.
—Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2023
Their partnership—in fighting Communism and reviving the U.S. economy after the despond of the 1970s—changed American debate.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2020
Animal spirits might buoy up markets again, or investors might sink back into the sort of despond that ended 2015, but sentiment currently offers little guide.
—James MacKintosh, WSJ, 20 Dec. 2018
On its best nights, the N.B.A. offers a free-jazz apex, as good teams (none of which are found within hundreds of miles of that basketball despond in New York City) offer jukes and passes and shooting.
—Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2016
Noun
Lonely and addicted to her social media feeds, Selena plunged into a deep despond and filmed her death-by-overdose on Snap.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
The slough of Mardenborough's despond comes towards the end of the film when a crash at the Nürburgring results in the death of a spectator.
—Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2023
Their partnership—in fighting Communism and reviving the U.S. economy after the despond of the 1970s—changed American debate.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2020
Animal spirits might buoy up markets again, or investors might sink back into the sort of despond that ended 2015, but sentiment currently offers little guide.
—James MacKintosh, WSJ, 20 Dec. 2018
On its best nights, the N.B.A. offers a free-jazz apex, as good teams (none of which are found within hundreds of miles of that basketball despond in New York City) offer jukes and passes and shooting.
—Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despond
Noun
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Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
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But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Over time, the nearly circular 75-mile-wide (120 kilometers) depression has been eroded by water and ice, enlarging it to nearly twice its initial size.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 June 2025
-
Young caregivers report more depression, anxiety, and stress than their peers.—
Leah Fabel,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Years of economic dysfunction have left the country’s once-thriving middle class in a state of desperation.—
Kareem Chehayeb,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
Based on Spoelstra’s success in driving the Heat to and through the playoffs, nothing dramatic needed here, certainly nothing like the Knicks’ act of desperation with Thibodeau.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
Noun
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This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
-
The production gives it a lush feel, but it’s haunted by a certain melancholy.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Not all ‘doom and gloom’ Nevertheless, the global business travel market is still on track to top $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, Neufang said.—
Monica Pitrelli,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
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The film is quite handsome, full of woodsy earth tones and dark clothing, without any bright colors to get in the way of the meditative gloom.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 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
Cite this Entry
“Despond.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despond. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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