1
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the endless drought drove the farmers to despair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dismay
the state of being discouraged
the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grieve
to lose all hope or confidence
we despaired when we saw how little time we had left to complete our project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despair
Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Economic despair has turned the people against the government.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Anyone who ever despaired about their outstanding mortgage remaining virtually static despite months of repayments will relate.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
And even amid his film’s despair, there was also dark humor, his characters’ profound suffering wryly relatable to all of us watching them in the theater.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Economic despair has turned the people against the government.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
The news of her 23-year-old son’s execution shocked and despaired the world.
—Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Anyone who ever despaired about their outstanding mortgage remaining virtually static despite months of repayments will relate.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
-
In desperation, Ben calls their older sister Hannah (Alexandra Daddario), despite scant contact since she got thrown out of the family home years prior.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Two goals down with 30 minutes left, Charlotte pushed forward with desperation but lacked precision.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There is bafflement alongside the dismay.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
-
My seven-year-old, the daredevil of the family, was just an inch or so off the height requirements for zip lining high above the Central Park neighborhood and the FlowRider surf simulator, much to her dismay.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
According to a new Daily Mail report, Reiner’s grieving siblings, Jake and Romy, are not inclined to support any attempt by their brother to lessen his criminal responsibility for their parents’ murder.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege, MD, are grieving an unimaginable loss.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Emotions were on full display with many expressing sadness and frustration, not only over Wednesday's federal raid, but raids happening around the Twin Cities over the last 40 days.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The initial answer to that question is a no, according to some evangelical pastors and commentators who reacted with shock and sadness to Yancey’s confession.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But to unmask the killer in a mansion filled with ticking clocks and suspects, amateur detective Eileen must first get round discouragement from Lady Caterham, played by Helena Bonham Carter, and Sherlock star Martin Freeman as superintendent Battle.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Keep your cool, adjust expectations, and don’t let discouragement bring you down during this early period of the year.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Gjoshe had suffered a deep wound to his upper arm and had to wait until Tuesday for surgery.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Investigators found the bodies nearby — Davis and Shelton had been shot, Friedt had been stabbed with a hunting knife whose blade broke off in her chest, and Flemmons died from asphyxiation after suffering blunt-force injuries, per A&E, citing Julie Young’s book The Burger Chef Murders in Indiana.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
However, amid the current turmoil in all three branches of our government, the show echoes a tone of hopelessness.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In a world fraught with real-life villains, political upheaval and a collective sense of hopelessness, fantasy steps in to inspire people to carry on, and that rings especially true for LGBTQ+ teens.—
Brittany Johnson,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.—
Tim Sullivan,
Twin Cities,
7 Jan. 2026
-
And as the university mourns Ward’s death, Self helped to put the win in perspective.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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