DESPERATION Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

desperation

noun

ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of desperation

as in despair

utter loss of hope during the famine her desperation drove her to do things she wouldn't have normally considered

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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 desperation Taken further, if the Portis/Hardaway money had gone to Powell in a non-Portis Heat world, then there would not be quite the same seeming desperation to invest much of the remaining cap cash on a Mavericks buyout with Klay Thompson. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 In nabbing Purdy’s 4-yard, desperation heave before cornerback Riq Woolen could with 1 1/2 minutes to go, Tonges put himself on the NFL map as a fourth-year veteran. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 But in the early 1970s, Hollywood was embracing sequels out of desperation in the midst of what was an extremely unhealthy distribution business. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Later in the film, after the separation of the father from the rest of the family, the color red comes to signify a sense of desperation. — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperation

Noun

For days, Nidhi observed her for signs of secret despair but could detect none.

— Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
So, what was once a pretty harsh ride that tended to skip sideways in bumpy corners, bludgeon yours and your passenger’s spine and kidneys, and remind you what terror and despair really are, is now gone.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

At the same time, 40% reported experiencing stress, 23% reported sadness, 22% anger and 22% loneliness.

— Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Still, there are strains of deeper sadness and discomfort here, largely in the passive-aggressive tension between Kim’s character and her onscreen mother (superbly played by a new recuit, veteran TV star Choi Myeonggil).

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

But in recent months and years, a sense of hopelessness has increasingly gripped those still remaining on the island.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
With the current political climate, Love sees the hopelessness in the world and took it upon herself to create room for people to be a part of a community that desires to curate a safe space.

— Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Definition of hopelessness

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desperateness

desperation

despicable

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“Desperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperation. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of desperation

noun

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