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
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Furthermore, fully remote employees are also more likely to report experiencing anger, sadness and loneliness than hybrid and on-site workers, Gallup said.—
Bob Helbig,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Carefully avoiding quick judgement and slowly uncovering a long history of violence, injustices and destruction, the young filmmaker exposes the deep sadness of a once upon a time joyful and prosperous environment.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Cala di Lucia Rosa is said to be named after a resident who threw herself from the cliff in despair after her father forced her to marry a wealthy suitor instead of her true love, a farmer.—
Kristina Kasparian,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Only the Clippers came out flat, never landed that first punch and hope quickly turned to despair.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
My evident happiness was catching, and my mother, too, was lifted out of her depression.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Katherine was a clinical social worker who specialized in adoption issues, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Austin Parks' desperation 3-point attempt for Toledo bounced off the back of the rim and fell to the floor as time expired.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
And that was a sign of desperation or resignation for Self and the Jayhawks.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some acknowledged the possibility that melancholy could be inherited.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Mar. 2026
-
What plucks at the heartstrings with its Herb Alpert studio melancholy sounds a little fried here, the song’s plaintive, tentative charm buried under thrashing improvisation.—
Linnie Greene,
Pitchfork,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Yet the ballads are also strong, conveying palpable sorrow as the family members figure up their losses.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
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The murders magnified the terror and sorrow emanating from thousands of anti-Asian attacks arising in the months preceding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But the event hasn’t been all doom and gloom for businesses downtown.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
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The gloom is thick, and Quirke is an unlikely hero.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despond.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despond. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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