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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondency
Jesus’ despondency in the teaser marks a stark contrast to those rejoicing with palm leaves in the air.
—
Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
A certain viewer could, of course, judge Benny for refusing to grow up, and dismiss his despondency as the self-centeredness of a child.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2024
That doesn’t happen after Nico Williams gives Spain the lead; there is only despondency at watching England fall behind.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 15 July 2024
Katie Hafner: The mood of the research team, Dora wrote, turned from elation to despondency.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for despondency 
Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
A certain viewer could, of course, judge Benny for refusing to grow up, and dismiss his despondency as the self-centeredness of a child.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2024
That doesn’t happen after Nico Williams gives Spain the lead; there is only despondency at watching England fall behind.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 15 July 2024
Katie Hafner: The mood of the research team, Dora wrote, turned from elation to despondency.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
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Artists showcase the range of life’s emotions — the loftiest heights of joy and the depths of despair.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Feb. 2025
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Tinting one series cobalt blue and the other a cloudy sepia, and leaving both unframed, Mikhailov emphasizes his prints’ rough physicality—an immediacy perfectly suited to the works’ immersion in urban despair.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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San Diego could target him out of desperation after losing Ha-Seong Kim in free agency.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Yet, especially for women in these positions, the lines between deception, desperation, and delusion, which coexist in different ratios for each subject, are thin.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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There’s more anxiety, depression, and even increased suicide rates.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Moreover, loneliness contributes to higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.—
John Hewko,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Boston, to the dismay of many of its fans, didn't sign Tanner Scott or Kirby Yates, both of whom joined the Los Angeles Dodgers.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
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Some 60 people massed in front of the store with them, sharing their dismay with one another and a local videographer.—
Teri Sforza,
Orange County Register,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Still, there is an undeniable air of melancholy to his movements since that move.—
Jack Lang,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
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The song captures both melancholy and resilience, reflecting Knowles’ mastery of storytelling through song.—
SPIN Contributor,
SPIN,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Superintendent Aaron Spence expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that the incident has profoundly affected the local community.—
John Feng,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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Meanwhile, what Magaro does in a nearly silent, utterly compelling turn is to convey the muted sorrow of a man pushed against the wall by a set of unfortunate circumstances, who refuses to ask for help.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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That’s not always easy with the onslaught of doom and gloom we’re met with.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2025
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Lyles was asked if the sense of doom and gloom was a product of all the uncertainty surrounding the team with the trade deadline looming.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
2 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near despondency
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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