DESPERATELY Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

desperately

adverb

ˈde-sp(ə-)rət-lē

Definition of desperately

as in extremely

to a great degree all of a sudden everything went desperately wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 At a time when Americans struggle to afford both their insurance premiums and their groceries, prioritizing Food as Medicine within the NYCG framework could provide the financial and health support that millions of New Yorkers desperately need. — Marian Flaxman, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026 Analysis Joveljic is regarded as one of the best finishers in MLS, and the Sounders desperately need finishing ability. — Tom Bogert, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 McMillan set the Panthers’ rookie receiving yards record in a single season; his 6-foot-5, 212-pound frame provided Young with a red zone threat and intermediate threat that the Panthers desperately needed. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 The public health challenges are vast, and effective treatments are desperately needed. — Matthew Kurtz, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperately

Adverb

The balance between efficiency and pleasantness in doing business seems extremely hard to achieve.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, with only 180 confirmed between 1937 and 2025, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of extremely

Adverb

But the Vuelta a España’s hiring of a female influencer, whose social media content centers on flirting with male strangers, has backfired badly.

— Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The Iran-contra scandal in the mid-1980s badly tarnished Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy record.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of badly

Adverb

Iran’s currency – the rial – is incredibly weak and dropped to a record low of two million against the US dollar yesterday.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Instead of using the developed AI software to create the animation, the film is incredibly homespun.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of incredibly

Adverb

The Fed chairman, who took office in May for a four-year term, has so far shared very little commentary on the state of the economy or policy outlook.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
With Adults, being funny is what matters most, and in that regard, this is a very promising premiere.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of very

Adverb

Her husband had one on, too, which made the twinning moment even cuter.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
And while von Furstenberg gravitated to something more minimalist and streamlined for her look, there’s plenty of options out there for the more flamboyant sun-seekers, too.

— Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of too

Adverb

Only one person in this friend group is knowingly connected to a violent cult, so are we supposed to view him as a potential suspect?

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Business is so strong that management felt comfortable enough to provide a financial outlook further into the future than ever before.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of so

Adverb

Then the Valkyries really pressed their advantage with a prolific scoring start to the fourth, pushing the lead to 14 points midway through the period.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
The first hearings would find out what really happened aboard the Ford and the Abe.

— John Seiler, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of really

Browse Nearby Words

desperate

desperately

desperateness

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“Desperately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperately. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of desperately

adverb

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