1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
he sank into a crushing despond after his wife left him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
utter loss of hope
loss of his job threw him into a deep despond
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to despair
to lose all hope or confidence
we must not despond even though we live in trying times
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despond
Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
The slough of Mardenborough's despond comes towards the end of the film when a crash at the Nürburgring results in the death of a spectator.
—Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2023
Their partnership—in fighting Communism and reviving the U.S. economy after the despond of the 1970s—changed American debate.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2020
On its best nights, the N.B.A. offers a free-jazz apex, as good teams (none of which are found within hundreds of miles of that basketball despond in New York City) offer jukes and passes and shooting.
—Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2016
Noun
Lonely and addicted to her social media feeds, Selena plunged into a deep despond and filmed her death-by-overdose on Snap.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
The slough of Mardenborough's despond comes towards the end of the film when a crash at the Nürburgring results in the death of a spectator.
—Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2023
Their partnership—in fighting Communism and reviving the U.S. economy after the despond of the 1970s—changed American debate.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2020
On its best nights, the N.B.A. offers a free-jazz apex, as good teams (none of which are found within hundreds of miles of that basketball despond in New York City) offer jukes and passes and shooting.
—Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despond
Noun
-
When the players return to training on Monday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi will have no time for anyone dwelling on their sadness or disappointment.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Welch’s voice is as unique as her music, thick with sadness one verse, airy and crystalline the next.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And each served as a reminder that even in times of despair, our nation is still turning out good people, humble people, talented people, people determined to move the world forward through hard work, compassion and teamwork.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
While her victory earned Lindblad job security on Tour for the next two years, the euphoria that came from winning was eventually replaced with a sense of despair and frustration due to her ongoing struggles throughout the remainder of the 2025 season and into early 2026.—
Bob Buttitta,
Daily News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the administration is taking steps to ease restrictions and spur research on using the drugs for medical purposes, including conditions like severe depression.—
Matthew Perrone,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Rates of depression and anxiety among youths peaked during the pandemic, following gradual increases over the previous decade.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Instead, Isaac infused him with vulnerability and desperation, turning a small supporting role into something memorable.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2026
-
That leaves the Dolphins in a spot of desperation at two of the three skill positions on offense.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Still, the achievement carried a touch of melancholy for Lovell.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
But, but what is it rooted in as, Is the end is kind of the melancholy of the song.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Bieber has had clashes with the paparazzi, and has sent ambiguous messages over social media hinting at his sorrow.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
León said the band's goal at demonstrations is to redirect protesters' anger and sorrow.—
Adrian Florido,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And Sahm told Fortune the gloom isn’t just about this spring.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Doom and gloom is hardly ever the prevailing mood at CinemaCon, however.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despond.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despond. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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