DESPAIRS Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

despairs

verb

present tense third-person singular of despair

as in grieves

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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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 despairs In Osamu Dazai’s The Setting Sun, Kazuko despairs of the pain that her brother Naoji’s drug addiction and degenerate behavior have caused the family. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 As someone who regularly despairs over the choice between a sweet or savory breakfast meal, this was a godsend. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026 When Eva suddenly disappears without a trace, the priest despairs, leading him to commit a series of shocking and violent crimes. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for despairs

Verb

On his death bed, de Boeldieu accepts the fortunes of war as Von Ruffenstein grieves.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
As Wabasha grieves, Hust said coming together in prayer and support is the first step in what will be a long healing process.

— Ashley Grams, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of grieves

Verb

As the community mourns the teenager, his death has also fueled calls for better access to mental health resources for young people.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Batty, having reached the end of his four-year life cycle (and subsequent run from the law as a fugitive of planet Earth), recalls his journeys through space and mourns these memories being lost more than his own death.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026

Definition of mourns

Verb

Despite being a fun Ant-Man sequel with enjoyable set pieces and the addition of The Pfeiffer, the film suffers from a lack of focus.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
There’s little dispute that the ACA suffers from some fraud, as do most government programs.

— Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of suffers

Browse Nearby Words

despairingly

despairs

desperado

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“Despairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despairs. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of despairs

verb

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