1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
his desolation after his twin brother died was incurable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in disrepair
the state of being unattended to or not cared for
the desolation of the abandoned garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in devastation
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the nuclear attack resulted in a scene of utter desolation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of desolation
But with the seventh plague, the degree of desolation increases.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
So the desolation wilderness looks kind of bonkers.
—Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Only death and desolation in the end.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Capturing the dynamics of laborers, with a reimaging of fan covers as ornate hats, the texture of plastic bags is recreated, incorporating the clashing of neon lights to express both the vitality and desolation of street life.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for desolation
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
So the desolation wilderness looks kind of bonkers.
—Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Only death and desolation in the end.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Capturing the dynamics of laborers, with a reimaging of fan covers as ornate hats, the texture of plastic bags is recreated, incorporating the clashing of neon lights to express both the vitality and desolation of street life.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for desolation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desolation
Noun
-
Despite the overwhelming sense of sadness at the track, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell never considered postponing the race.—
Steve Reed,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
People are preoccupied with everyday work stress, day-to-day sadness, and the like.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Significantly, each octagon sits at the core of a network of dirt roads and conduits that stretch far into the desert.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Whilst some of the winners photographed high alpine peaks and arid deserts, others focused on scenes of daily life.—
Sam Peters,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The outside of the house is in disrepair and the yard is overgrown.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
-
By the time Lauren purchased the property, however, the residence had fallen into significant disrepair.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
When the squad reported back to Kirkby five days after his death, the training complex was a scene of utter devastation.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
The capybara has since come to symbolize resilience and the determination to reclaim joy after devastation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Absent the lush melancholy of classic synth-pop, what Hervé and Amato had in common with their forbears was a spirit of innovation rooted in profound laziness.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
23 May 2026
-
While the actors are committed, poignant and warm, their upbeat tone doesn’t always blend well with the melancholy of the picture.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Pratt did not deny the report and responded on X by blaming city leadership for the wildfire destruction.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
-
The Pope also used his letter to issue the strongest papal condemnation of anti-migrant politics in years, sharply criticize modern capitalism and suggest climate destruction is a moral crime against the poor.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Tropical systems tracked by the National Hurricane Center will be classified as depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes based on their intensity.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
That alone is enough to barrel me into even more depression.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
The Hornets thrived all season by creating havoc on the base paths.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
Federico Chiesa Even though injuries have played havoc with Liverpool’s attack, Chiesa has been unable to secure a more meaningful role.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Desolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desolation. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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