as in grieved
to lose all hope or confidence
we despaired when we saw how little time we had left to complete our project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 despaired
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despaired
Verb
-
This very publication grieved its untimely passing.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
-
As the investigation into the plane crash continues, the country music world grieved the loss of a musical legend.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When they were rescued, the family suffered from smoke inhalation, burns, and exposure, Hyannis Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Lamothe told the Cape Cod Times.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The Rockets, who surprisingly finished second in the West behind Oklahoma City last season, were dealt a tough blow over the summer, though, when point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the season to a torn ACL suffered during a voluntary workout.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Fallon's fellow late-night host, Seth Meyers, previously mourned the death of his dog Frisbee in August.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The conservationist community and celebrities alike have mourned Goodall’s passing.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despaired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despaired. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share