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 For months doctors at the last functioning hospital in the wartorn Sudanese city of el-Fasher performed operations by torchlight, desperately trying to save lives in the most impossible conditions. NPR, 30 Oct. 2025 In recent days, both Democrats and Republicans have desperately tried to avoid the SNAP funding cutoff, introducing competing measures to insulate the program from the shutdown. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 Help is desperately needed, but the candidates presented aren’t exactly ideal. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025 In December 2024, the couple arrived in Bulgaria to begin their new lives, desperately hoping that things would work out for them this time. Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desperately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperately
Adverb
  • Sharon is extremely annoying, but my heart does break for her a tiny bit here.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Satchel Crossbody This effortlessly chic crossbody bag will add an elegant flair to any daytime look while also being extremely functional.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The market isn't terribly deep for that need this winter.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This was natural mummification, a possible if not terribly likely occurrence in the dry cool February climate of Santa Fe, in this case in the confines of a private modern house.
    Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • So how did The Times, a pillar of quality British journalism since the 18th century, blow the story so badly?
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Kade Durnin knew right away that something was badly wrong.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Disney is incredibly unlikely to ever admit that politics were a factor in Doctor Who‘s cancellation, but Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension was revealing of the company’s desire to minimize MAGA wrath.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
  • There’s always someone around the corner who’s eager to please you, but being so recognizable can become incredibly isolating as well.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The hunter was supposed to be Nweeia’s main guide, and this happened on the very first day of the expedition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • There are very few people with any substance who want to run.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Fast and Free High-rise Tight 25-inch 5-pocket There’s simply no such thing as having too many pockets, as exhibited by these fan-favorite five-pocket leggings, which are currently $69.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Meaning, his sons balance a hearty rotation of sports and academics, but the Farrers are also diligent about working in time for volunteer projects, too.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency is not so fortunate, said Renee Pertile, early childhood director at the agency.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This is why economists are so preoccupied with a country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, basically whether a country is growing enough to justify its borrowing, which is projected to spiral to 156% by 2055 according to the CBO.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Here's everything to know about what really happened to Mallory Beach and how her family sought justice from the Murdaugh family.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Both of them are great spirits and really easygoing.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desperately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperately. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on desperately

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!