1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
her slumping posture betrayed a growing despondence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the ability to endure defeat without despondence has allowed him to weather the ups and downs of an acting career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondence
Liborio speaks with a mix of rage and despondence about his situation; complaining about the pejorative labels those around him call him to diminish his existence.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
From shock to anger to despondence.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
These could include feelings of overwhelming sadness (despondence), a sense that life will never get better (hopelessness) or actual thoughts of killing themselves.
—Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Amidst the initial confusion that followed the freezing of USAID grants, the mood across the humanitarian sector was one of panic, anxiety, and quiet despondence.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
There’s a lingering despondence in his expression.
—Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Democrats have already begun the autopsy on the election results as Harris supporters express a mix of outrage and despondence.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
Baade, who remembers his own father’s despondence when the Braves left town, doesn’t outright dismiss the idea that the Brewers could leave, agreeing that a smaller-market team is at a disadvantage.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2023
Amy's behavior demonstrates how scoring high in each of these components facilitates a flexible, confident and passionate approach to life and ensures a strong degree of resiliency when faced with anxiety, despondence and overwhelm.
—Roberta Moore, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
From shock to anger to despondence.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
These could include feelings of overwhelming sadness (despondence), a sense that life will never get better (hopelessness) or actual thoughts of killing themselves.
—Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Amidst the initial confusion that followed the freezing of USAID grants, the mood across the humanitarian sector was one of panic, anxiety, and quiet despondence.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
There’s a lingering despondence in his expression.
—Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Democrats have already begun the autopsy on the election results as Harris supporters express a mix of outrage and despondence.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
Baade, who remembers his own father’s despondence when the Braves left town, doesn’t outright dismiss the idea that the Brewers could leave, agreeing that a smaller-market team is at a disadvantage.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2023
Amy's behavior demonstrates how scoring high in each of these components facilitates a flexible, confident and passionate approach to life and ensures a strong degree of resiliency when faced with anxiety, despondence and overwhelm.
—Roberta Moore, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondence
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
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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
-
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
-
The other featured a comeback that saw hopelessness turn into jubilation.—
Peter Warren,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
-
For her and many other Iranians who spoke to CNN – their surnames withheld to protect their identities – the past three weeks have been filled with a sense of hopelessness and fear.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
20 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
Cite this Entry
“Despondence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondence. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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