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
Anyone who ever despaired about their outstanding mortgage remaining virtually static despite months of repayments will relate.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
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
-
But that figure will certainly plummet in 2025 considering that the Trop is under construction after damage suffered during last year’s Hurricane Milton, and the Rays had to play their home games at 10,000-seat Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring home of the New York Yankees.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Rupert’s mother recently suffered a stroke amid the controversy, says Kathryn.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In March 2024, Drescher mourned the loss of her father, Morty, at 94.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Kirk was mourned as a martyr for free speech and Christian values during a massive memorial service.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despaired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despaired. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share