desperately

adverb

ˈde-sp(ə-)rət-lē How to pronounce desperately (audio)
Definition of desperatelynext
as in extremely
to a great degree all of a sudden everything went desperately wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 desperately Not just for prospective suitors, but also for a Yankees team that desperately needs offense and help in the outfield. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026 By the high point of the episode, the reaction that the residents of the Silo are desperately waiting to see is Juliette’s. — Daron James, IndieWire, 31 July 2026 But the groom is set to tie the knot after having spent this entire week desperately trying to keep his fund afloat. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 July 2026 Survivors spoke about coming home and desperately pulling family members out of the wreckage. — CBS News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperately
  1. extremely
  2. terribly
  3. badly
  4. incredibly
  5. very
  6. too
  7. so
  8. really
Adverb
  • In extremely rare cases, hormone injections can trigger a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Neighbors are also extremely relieved to see the tree finally coming down.
    — Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of extremely
Adverb
  • Having a conversation with Gold House founder Bing Chen isn’t terribly dissimilar from taking an amphetamine.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Along with its terribly cool clientele, Area became known for its décor and lavish installations, whose theme changed every six weeks.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of terribly
Adverb
  • But, positioned 11th in the GC before the mountains, Włodarczyk is not riding badly and could yet pull out some great performances.
    — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The whole thing reminded me so much of Willow, when Kael’s forces arrive at Tir Asleen and Madmartigan tries to act tough and intimidating despite being badly outnumbered.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of badly
Adverb
  • If Rolex can engineer an incredibly deep and wide moat, AI most certainly can.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Warriors stole the first game of the series in Dallas and then held serve in their own euphoric and incredibly loud building in Oakland.
    — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of incredibly
Adverb
  • But, at the heart of it is what appears to be a very ugly feud between two public servants.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The truth is my friend has some very unsavory traits that make people want to tell him no.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of very
Adverb
  • Despite the reforms, the NYPD’s federal monitor has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The underwriting math that makes a small firm expensive to serve turns up elsewhere in financial services too.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of too
Adverb
  • The popular set tends to sell quickly, so consider grabbing one while fall-favorite shades like dusty olive, terracotta, and mauve are still in stock.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Saudi Arabian government has been dealing with the economic fallout from the war between the US and Iran, which launched late in February, and the subsequent effects on the oil markets that are so lucrative to the Saudi government.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of so
Adverb
  • People think of intimacy in a romantic sense, but the relationships artists have with the people in their corner in the industry is also really intimate.
    — Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • These types of conversations help teens feel understood and strengthen trust, while uncovering more about what is really driving the desire to change up their look.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of really

Browse Nearby Words

desperate
desperately
desperateness
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Cite this Entry

“Desperately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperately. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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