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
Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
Covering politics today is a grim dance between the vicious and the idiotic, between repulsion and despair.
—Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 10 May 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
Foxman also knew when to despair of reforming repeat offenders.
—Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
Covering politics today is a grim dance between the vicious and the idiotic, between repulsion and despair.
—Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 10 May 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
-
In desperation, Layla calls her estranged sister Shams (Abeer Mohammed), living in territory governed by the other side.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
On her third match point, Svitolina dug a ball out of the corner, chased one down near the service line, then charged the net and blocked the final ball past Gauff with a desperation stab.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
While the days of wearing in-flight formalwear are long gone (much to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s dismay), there are wardrobe clues that may imply someone is headed to a boardroom and not the beach.—
Joey Skladany,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
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In addition to her comment on McDonald's post, Yvette Nicole Brown also expressed her dismay over Pratt's run on Threads.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
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For parents grieving the death of child, regardless of age or circumstance.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
-
The 35-year-old mother of three, who self-published a children's book on grieving following her husband's death in 2022, was found guilty on all counts in March following a weekslong trial.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s some sadness mixed with true joy.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
-
For McKidd, seeing Dane included in the finale montage brought both sadness and gratitude.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite heavy discouragement from local authorities, macaques are unlikely to reduce their junk food consumption, given the popularity of the tourist attraction and their history of interacting with humans dating back to the 18th century.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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What wasn’t in the plan was that Durkin, who’s also a baseball player for the Eagles, would suffer a minor groin injury running the bases during Monday’s 7-6 win over Homewood-Flossmoor.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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The outlet reported three people suffered injuries in the crash.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Advertisement For decades, the dominant story about Watts was one of pathology and hopelessness.—
Terry McDonell,
Time,
21 Apr. 2026
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The other featured a comeback that saw hopelessness turn into jubilation.—
Peter Warren,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Amidst this backdrop, Haruka Ayase and Daigo Yamamoto play a young couple mourning the recent death of their son, who brings a humanoid child robot into their home.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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Cunnane didn’t mourn the sad state of his headgear, though.—
Adam Van Brimmer,
AJC.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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