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
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
According to Garland’s daughter Liza Minnelli, her mother’s despair played a role in her death on June 22, 1969.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 June 2025
Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
But do not despair, despite the Federal Trade Commission warning of a 25% year-on-year increase in losses, Google is fighting back.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
Last week, as the Court prepared to finish its work for the year, Jackson issued a pair of dissents that signalled her despair over the Court’s trajectory, her refusal to sugarcoat its behavior, and her willingness to break with her liberal colleagues, Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
According to Garland’s daughter Liza Minnelli, her mother’s despair played a role in her death on June 22, 1969.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
Look who is suing: the four largest public employee unions in the nation — despairing that the layoffs will mean fewer union dues collected and a heavier workload for those who are still on the job.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
But do not despair, despite the Federal Trade Commission warning of a 25% year-on-year increase in losses, Google is fighting back.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
-
As Gaza’s money supply dwindled and civilians’ desperation mounted, cash brokers’ commissions — around 5% at the start of the war — skyrocketed.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Fortune,
11 July 2025
-
These accumulating pressures led Hollywood to a moment of existential desperation—which had unfortunate consequences for female actors.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Bayern forward Harry Kane was on his knees, checking on Musiala’s well-being, as was captain Joshua Kimmich, who took one look at his young team-mate’s left leg and turned away in apparent dismay.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
-
The legislation also has a large-scale rollback of clean-energy initiatives, to the dismay of everyone from climate activists to Elon Musk.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
The Oscar winner has starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series about grieving therapist Jimmy (Segel) since its premiere in 2023.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
And there are people who are grieving. KARL: Look -- PONNURU: To the extent that there are knee-jerk criticisms that assume the conclusions, right, that haven't gone through and looked at all the evidence, that deserves being called out.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
This is because there’s a lot of woolly thinking out there, combined with apathy, distrust and discouragement.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 June 2025
-
Be assured the world will bring more than enough discouragement, rejection, and pain into your child’s life.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
When the federal government stepped back, the industry suffered immensely.—
Time,
Time,
15 July 2025
-
Two people suffered injuries and were taken in ambulances to Waterbury Hospital, according to fire officials.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The world has mourned the loss of 27 campers and counselors, and 10 girls are still missing, according to the camp.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
7 July 2025
-
The Bruins community is mourning at the passing of one of the great characters in the club’s century-long history, Lyndon Byers, who died on Friday at the age of 61.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
July always arrives with a blend of sunshine and sorrow for me.—
Belal Aftab,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
-
In humanitarian tents, children gather to share their fears and sorrows, and to comfort one another.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
The boy was not seriously hurt when the man threw him to the ground, but he was taken to a local hospital and later released.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 July 2025
-
What’s going to hurt us probably is the property tax situation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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