DESPAIRER Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

despair 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈsper

Definition of despair

as in desperation

utter loss of hope the endless drought drove the farmers to despair

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dismay

the state of being discouraged the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 despair

Noun

Clay Lockhart, in his despair, likely flung himself over the cliff’s edge that night. — Literary Hub, 9 July 2026 These crises are plunging many into anxiety and despair, especially young people whose futures have become uncertain. — Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 8 July 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

Noun

Anna Marian Block, a spokesperson for the Republican Governors Association, said Moore’s trip was a sign of desperation for Georgia Democrats, not strength.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Morocco’s quality and desperation ultimately proved the difference as Saibari scored for the third group game running before Soufiane Rahimi’s second-half cameo got them the win.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

Incredibly, neither finalist was able to beat the Blue Sharks in 90 minutes of soccer – the nation also held Spain to a 0-0 draw in its opening group-stage fixture, much to the dismay of the above Spanish editor.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Even Athena, if that genuinely is whom Zendaya is playing, isn’t that helpful, mostly staring at Odysseus in mute dismay.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 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

Despite the feeling of discouragement that can come with the rejections and even ghostings applicants face, these internships — though sometimes few and far between — still exist.

— Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026
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

Definition of discouragement

Verb

Heavy losses suffered by Labour in a midterm set of local elections in May prompted many lawmakers to demand Starmer's resignation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Not the critics, not the experts, not our family members who suffer as well with us and want only the best for us.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 18 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

Browse Nearby Words

desolations

despair

despaired

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of despair

noun

verb

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