1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
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2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
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3
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
never once gave into despondency and self-pity during her long recovery from her injuries in the car crash
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Recent Examples of despondency
Katie Hafner: The mood of the research team, Dora wrote, turned from elation to despondency.
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Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Ultimately the day ended for the Bears with a new wave of anger, embarrassment and despondency.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
He’s perched in front of jagged cliffs while hiking outside of Arles, France, a blue baseball cap pulled over his hair, cheeks extra-ruddy in the sun, his default affability tempered by a sense of despondency.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Juniper Hills resident Diane Swick, 60, transitioned from joy to despondency quickly in early August.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for despondency 
Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Ultimately the day ended for the Bears with a new wave of anger, embarrassment and despondency.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
He’s perched in front of jagged cliffs while hiking outside of Arles, France, a blue baseball cap pulled over his hair, cheeks extra-ruddy in the sun, his default affability tempered by a sense of despondency.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Juniper Hills resident Diane Swick, 60, transitioned from joy to despondency quickly in early August.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
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Antonio scored an early opener and Jarrod Bowen was denied from close range shortly after, with Moyes falling to the ground in despair.Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
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Carter later credited that sacrifice for pulling him from his despair and eventually leading him to found The Carter Presidential Center -- a multifaceted nonprofit aimed at promoting human rights, with missions as varied as election monitoring and eradicating parasitic diseases.Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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An air of desperation hung over a handful of Premier League clubs last summer.Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
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His words resonate deeply in a region where many, driven by desperation for a better life, risk their lives swimming or sailing across the perilous 25-mile Strait of Gibraltar to Spain—a journey that all too often ends in tragedy.Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Specifically, The Family Dinner Project reports that, for kids, this practice is linked with better academic performance, higher self-esteem and a lower risk of depression, among other benefits.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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And The Desire For Connection Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by changes in the seasons, often begins in the fall and continues through the winter months.Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fans of the show shared their dismay at Nease's answer on social media.Latoya Gayle, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
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It was announced in September that Lamar would headline the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans — much to the dismay of rappers who said Lil Wayne should have been given the gig as a hometown favorite.Char Adams, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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When the Padres signed Bogaerts, a major league scout with a neutral team said several baseball folks with the Red Sox felt a sense of melancholy.Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025
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There’s action and scares, but also human melancholy and a deep mystery.Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The principal of Dos Pueblos High School, Bill Woodard, expressed sorrow about the beloved teacher’s death.Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
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Sadly, the reunion would leave the Bernstein family with lasting wounds and sorrow.Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mercury’s entrance to Capricorn can foster doom and gloom.USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
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Despite the gloom, studio facilities are pushing ahead with expansion plans.Gene Maddaus, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near despondency
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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