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
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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
-
Fear, joy, surprise, sadness, excitement.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
-
Exceeding expectations As a trip set mainly in concentration camps, sadness is often the top expectation.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Paula turns on a dime, expertly masks her horror, stress, and despair, and puts on a smile for her little girl.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
-
What happened last night was a double dip of despair.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and impaired immune function.—
Ezekiel J. Emanuel,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
-
American men are less likely than women to be diagnosed with depression, but four times more likely to die by suicide – a disparity that, researchers say, indicates many are suffering in silence.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Electing Talarico would be like connecting on one of those last-second, desperation, alley-oop passes in the end zone.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
-
This match finally picked up in the second half, reflecting the desperation each side had after losing their opening matches.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Beneath all the sensuality and beauty, there’s also a lingering melancholy that feels very familiar to me.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
16 June 2026
-
Early Years Eichenberg recounted his childhood with some melancholy.—
Jessica George,
JSTOR Daily,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
-
At times the longing feels sweet and the search like a little sorrow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The Los Angeles guitarist and songwriter touches on grief, rejection, and love in lo-fi shoegaze songs that package sunny melodies with comforting gloom.—
Linnie Greene,
Pitchfork,
23 June 2026
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June gloom is nearly behind us, and Danielle Dorsey has a guide to 7 new rooftop restaurant and bars.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Power Ballad should be breezy and fun, with that twist of mournfulness that Carney is always so adept at pulling off.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despond.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despond. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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