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
Relevance
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 despairs
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
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despairs
Verb
-
As the family grieves, the community is rallying around them.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The group also mourns the death of friend Angie Stone.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Toronto’s 50th edition unfolds as the wider film community mourns the passing of Oneida actor Graham Greene (born on Six Nations Reserve in Ontario), who uplifted Indigenous stories throughout his career.—
Jennie Punter,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On the eve of the annual scouting combine that could determine his entire professional future, he's attacked by a deranged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Globally, the poorest half of the population produces just 10% of carbon emissions yet suffers the brunt of drought, flooding, and polluted air.—
Henrietta Moore,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despairs. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share