1
as in desperate
feeling or showing no hope
after four days and still no word that the missing plane had been located, the relatives were despondent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness
feeling despondent over the death of another close friend
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondent
Does her despondent demeanor and null motivation make Elsa herself an ideal pick to surrender her life?
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
In 2025, Simone’s assessment of our despondent state of being is just as resonant, and the role of the artist is no less urgent.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Indeed, in private, many people in the business, media, and think-tank worlds are frustrated with and despondent about the atmosphere in China.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Become despondent over a breakup with her boyfrend?
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondent
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
In 2025, Simone’s assessment of our despondent state of being is just as resonant, and the role of the artist is no less urgent.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Indeed, in private, many people in the business, media, and think-tank worlds are frustrated with and despondent about the atmosphere in China.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Become despondent over a breakup with her boyfrend?
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondent
Adjective
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Ultimately, Ellie's desperate quest to avenge Joel led to another shocking death and no clear resolution heading into season 3.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
26 May 2025
-
The Western Conference Finals move to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Saturday night, where the desperate Timberwolves are slight home underdogs vs. the Thunder.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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That would increase to 40% for productions outside of the Los Angeles area, or in economically depressed areas of Los Angeles.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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Escorting the world's loneliest elephant across Asia In 2020, when most of the world was sealed up due to the COVID pandemic, Cher was flying around Asia fighting for Kaavan, a depressed elephant, stuck in a particularly nasty zoo in Pakistan.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Those nurses never stopped fighting for Mattie, even as her situation seemed hopeless.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
10 May 2025
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While critical gaps in testing still remain, innovation has ignited a diagnostic boom that has transformed the AIDS fight from hopeless to winnable.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Netflix In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Ortega revealed that the massive success following 'Wednesday' actually left her unhappy.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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Reports suggested that Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey’s playing on the night, and a number of songs were cut short.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Stewart is still thanked by gay fans by creating such a rare, highly visible (albeit sad) representation.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
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My back hurt from that sad excuse for a chair (seriously, who designs dining chairs to feel like medieval torture devices?).—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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On the internet, though, he is deemed as the heartbroken, brooding type because ...—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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Sherine Smith, a former Capistrano teacher and former Laguna Beach Unified School District superintendent, said the meeting’s tone left her heartbroken.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The film necessarily presents a despairing view of America as its 20th-century glory days recede into the distance, but Schrader isn’t one to shirk away from some form of hope for his isolated priest.—
Vikram Murthi,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2025
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These lines represent Elisabeth at her most despairing.—
Elizabeth Djinis,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Angels left-hander began the season as one of their high leverage relievers, but a miserable outing in the season’s first week told him something wasn’t right.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
26 May 2025
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Walker wears his emotions more viscerally than most players mired in such a miserable start.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondent. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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