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
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
But despair doesn’t get you anywhere.
—Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 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
The suppleness of the band softens Williams’ tales of despair, transforming them into songs of solace, not outrage.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
But despair doesn’t get you anywhere.
—Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 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
-
At the time, Luchin told ABC7 that financial desperation following the closure of his Walnut Creek restaurant, Ottavio, played a role in his actions.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Then Jordan Love's desperation heave into the end zone from the Bears 28 was knocked down as time expired to secure Chicago's first playoff win since the 2010 season.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Walz expressed dismay at the characterization.—
Hannah Fingerhut,
Twin Cities,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Much to Chicago’s dismay, the Bears are out of the playoffs, losing in overtime Sunday night to the Los Angeles Rams.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In moments of crisis—when communities are grieving, divided, or searching for ways to care for one another—nonprofits stand on the front lines, holding our social fabric together through connection, healing, and support.—
Cat Ward,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For the cover of the February 9, 2026, issue, the artist Till Lauer evokes the recent killings of civilians by ICE agents in Minneapolis, where thousands have gathered in the streets to protest and grieve.—
Françoise Mouly,
New Yorker,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Across countries, sadness, anger, loneliness and despair are at the highest levels recorded in decades.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The mood in the crowd was widespread anger and sadness — recalling the same outpouring of wrath and grief that shook the city after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police in 2020, although without the widespread violent protests then.—
Jack Brook,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Stand strong in your plans and strategies for 2026 even if February and early March bring some discouragement.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Jan. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
The former Washington Huskies star suffered ACL setbacks during his freshman year with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2018 and once again during the 2020 season.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Officers responding to reports of gunfire later found a man suffering from gunshot wounds behind an apartment complex.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Additional data shows that the lack of in person connection is quickly becoming a relationship crisis, with 78% of Bumble users sharing that anxiety and stress to present themselves as perfect lead to hopelessness in finding someone, which in turn has lessened the rates of offline relationships.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Another 2022 study from Rutgers University, focused on COVID-19 news, found that greater daily exposure to news about the virus was linked to higher same-day and next-day worry about the pandemic as well as feelings of hopelessness and general worry.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
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 1 Feb. 2026.
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