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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despair
Bob Buttitta, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
Their exchanges take place in a conversational middle range that puts their emotional substance—bewilderment, frustration, anger, quiet despair—into sharp and poignant contrast.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
Democrats rejoiced; Republicans despaired.
—Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
While her victory earned Lindblad job security on Tour for the next two years, the euphoria that came from winning was eventually replaced with a sense of despair and frustration due to her ongoing struggles throughout the remainder of the 2025 season and into early 2026.
—Bob Buttitta, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
Their exchanges take place in a conversational middle range that puts their emotional substance—bewilderment, frustration, anger, quiet despair—into sharp and poignant contrast.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
As someone who regularly despairs over the choice between a sweet or savory breakfast meal, this was a godsend.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
Democrats rejoiced; Republicans despaired.
—Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
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Instead, Isaac infused him with vulnerability and desperation, turning a small supporting role into something memorable.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2026
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That leaves the Dolphins in a spot of desperation at two of the three skill positions on offense.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Perhaps the most volatile split ripped the aforementioned Cassie and Maddy apart, after the former struck up a relationship with Maddy's ex, Nate (Jacob Elordi), much to the latter's dismay.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
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To his dismay, Frederik learned this week that FIFA had changed the seating map at Arrowhead.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Spence’s grieving son said his dad’s death and the death of little Kaori Patterson-Moore, a 7-month-old who died after being struck in the head by a stray bullet earlier this month, should be a wake-up call for the city.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
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In the order, Primm wrote that allowing widespread broadcast of victim impact statements, which often include emotional testimony from grieving families and survivors, could influence potential jurors in the son's upcoming case.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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When the players return to training on Monday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi will have no time for anyone dwelling on their sadness or disappointment.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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Welch’s voice is as unique as her music, thick with sadness one verse, airy and crystalline the next.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
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Be aware that this discouragement might not be based on solid facts, but rather on disappointed hopes and wishes.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Her arrival could not come at a better time, with Gotham suffering a sluggish start.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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After covering operating costs, proceeds from Fawn Bluff will go to the Homalco community to open an addiction counseling and recovery center — many suffer from generational trauma — as well as to support Homalco art and rituals.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The other featured a comeback that saw hopelessness turn into jubilation.—
Peter Warren,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
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For her and many other Iranians who spoke to CNN – their surnames withheld to protect their identities – the past three weeks have been filled with a sense of hopelessness and fear.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Another family quietly grieves in North Carolina While the string of attacks rattles several communities in Georgia, Prianna Weathers’ mother mourns privately in her North Carolina home.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
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Relatives of Ghadir Baalbaki, 19, who was killed Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike, mourn at her funeral in Tyre, Lebanon.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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