as in grieved
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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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
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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
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In addition to her legal troubles, Aileen also suffered from mental health struggles and reportedly attempted suicide six times, from the ages of 14 to 22.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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The Broncos were evaluating the tight end market even before Nate Adkins suffered an injury against the Cowboys, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported last week.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Renee mourned her son's death in a Facebook post on Wednesday.—
Charmaine Patterson,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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While many white Americans mourned the loss of this grand historical estate, several African Americans expressed joyous relief.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despaired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despaired. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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