despair 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈsper How to pronounce despair (audio)
Definition of despairnext
1
as in desperation
utter loss of hope the endless drought drove the farmers to despair

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2
as in dismay
the state of being discouraged the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair

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despair

2 of 2

verb

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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Example 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 despair
Noun
And the ways that curiosity may just be an antidote to the cynicism and despair that are too often the lingua franca of the internet. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 In the trailer, the young women are in despair over their sudden destitution. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Verb
There won’t be a Knicks game this Sunday, but people looking to watch something full of New York pride should not despair. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 June 2026 Millions more suffered, starved and despaired in the rubble that was once their homes, businesses and places of worship. — Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
  1. desperation
  2. dismay
  3. grieve
  4. sadness
  5. discouragement
  6. suffer
  7. hopelessness
  8. mourn
Noun
  • Many anecdotes are from people who tried more conventional medicine for digestive issues and, from a place of desperation, decided to look elsewhere for solutions.
    — Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Moreover, the series unpacks the heartwrenching realities of social inequity and how desperation can transform into shocking acts of violence.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of desperation
Noun
  • Newton didn’t even attempt to jump on the second fumble, much to everyone’s dismay.
    — Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
  • Although Belgium coach Rudi Garcia and the Belgian federation had expressed dismay at FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s red card ban, Garcia said his team was neither distracted nor motivated by the controversy.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Definition of dismay
Verb
  • Organ and whole body donation are often understood as the ultimate selfless acts — a grieving family using their loss to improve someone else’s life, or further scientific research.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
  • Even after bones heal and surgeries succeed, experts say recovery can mean coming to terms with what injuries have changed and giving yourself permission to grieve those losses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Definition of grieve
Noun
  • The girls spend the day together — Laura has made an entire treasure hunt to celebrate Good Eagle’s birthday — and while there are moments of joy, there’s a lot of sadness weighing down on their tiny shoulders, too.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his sadness over the recent deaths in the country’s south.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • SpongeBob doesn’t stay stuck in discouragement or disappointment for long, but rather looks for something positive to focus on.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 23 June 2026
  • Ray McMillian is a talented Black classical violinist who defies systemic racism and his family’s discouragement to achieve musical success.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Definition of discouragement
Verb
  • The Dodgers suffered a deflating 9-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on Friday to start their final series before the All-Star break.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • But then again, Rice is said to be suffering from illness, too.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of suffer
Noun
  • The physical and mental toll was rough—countless tests and scans, monthly (or more frequent) ER visits for severe flares, mental breakdowns, anxiety, fear, panic, depression, insecurity, doubt, and hopelessness.
    — Shannon Dingey, Health, 1 July 2026
  • But where some might see hopelessness, Ortiz sees an opportunity for connection.
    — Joy Resmovits for The Trace, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Definition of hopelessness
Verb
  • My heart goes out to the pilot's friends, family, and colleagues who mourn this immense loss.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • As people mourn and protest Wells' death, Christine Wonsley urged them to follow his example.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of mourn

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desolations
despair
despaired
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Cite this Entry

“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of despair for Spanish Speakers

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