Synonyms of despairs

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grieves
• mourns
• suffers
• hurts
• surrenders
• saddens
• loses heart
• desponds
• discourages
• sorrows
• bleeds
• agonizes
• darkens
• yields
• gives up
• disheartens
• dispirits

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rejoices
• brightens
• cheers (up)
• exults
• assures
• encourages
• hopes
• reassures
• perks (up)
• heartens

Example Sentences

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