POVERTY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'poverty' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of poverty are destitution , indigence , penury , and want . While all these words mean "the state of one with insufficient resources," poverty may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts. // the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers

Q: Where would 'indigence' be a reasonable alternative to 'poverty'?

Although the words indigence and poverty have much in common, indigence implies seriously straitened circumstances. // the indigence of her years as a graduate student

Q: When would 'penury' be a good substitute for 'poverty'?

The words penury and poverty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money. // a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury

Q: How do 'want' and 'destitution' relate to one another, in the sense of 'poverty'?

Both want and destitution imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure. // lived in a perpetual state of want // the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine

poverty

noun

ˈpä-vər-tē

Definition of poverty next

as in misery

the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions he dreamed of finding a good job and working his way out of poverty and debt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number a poverty of information about the new policies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poverty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of poverty are destitution, indigence, penury, and want. While all these words mean "the state of one with insufficient resources," poverty may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts.

the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers

Where would indigence be a reasonable alternative to poverty?

Although the words indigence and poverty have much in common, indigence implies seriously straitened circumstances.

the indigence of her years as a graduate student

When would penury be a good substitute for poverty?

The words penury and poverty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money.

a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury

How do want and destitution relate to one another, in the sense of poverty?

Both want and destitution imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure.

lived in a perpetual state of want

the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of poverty Borowski disagreed with the city, finding that state law required the Municipal Court to record every hearing in which a determination is made regarding a defendant's inability to pay a judgment due to poverty. —

Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 27 Dec. 2024 The border crackdown didn’t stop migrants fleeing poverty, criminal violence or political repression from coming and trying to cross. —

Alejandro Serrano, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Dec. 2024 Turner has praised the program as a way to improve neighborhoods with high poverty and unemployment rates. —

Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 23 Dec. 2024 By increasing revenue for musicians and creators, music can also drive broader economic development, job creation, and poverty alleviation. —

Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for poverty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poverty

Noun

Middleton put the possession out of its misery with what turned into a decent look on an off-the-bounce midrange jumper, but the entire possession lacked purpose.

Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Carter’s true legacy is one of economic misery at home and embarrassment on the world stage.

Philip Klein, National Review, 29 Dec. 2024