1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
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2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
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3
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
never once gave into despondency and self-pity during her long recovery from her injuries in the car crash
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondency
But while some like Nazanin feel a despondency heading into the new year, for others, hope springs eternal.
—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
There are delicate parallels in O’Halloran’s screenplay showing the different ways in which the Evans men deal with their despondencies.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Much of the Shamblins’ lawsuit — echoing past claims of wrongdoing by families of users who were allegedly mistreated or supported in their bad acts by ChatGPT and other AI — traces his descent into despondency.
—
Adam Carlson,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
But, uh, do think like, uh, action is the, antidote to despondency.
—
Outside Online,
1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
There are delicate parallels in O’Halloran’s screenplay showing the different ways in which the Evans men deal with their despondencies.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Much of the Shamblins’ lawsuit — echoing past claims of wrongdoing by families of users who were allegedly mistreated or supported in their bad acts by ChatGPT and other AI — traces his descent into despondency.
—
Adam Carlson,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
But, uh, do think like, uh, action is the, antidote to despondency.
—
Outside Online,
1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
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Each room explores a different human emotion — joy and love, fear and hope, sadness and gratitude, anger and resilience.
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Working again with collaborators Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Shahzad Ismaily (Ceramic Dog) and joined by Nick Hakim and drummer Tom Skinner (the Smile), Orton uses The Ground Above to create weighty songs that deal with both joy and sadness.
Noun
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Rather than wallow in the despair of his wife's death, Robin decided to start Kay Days, a non-profit that pays for patients' parking on select days and during the week of his beloved wife's birthday.
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That poor driver had to listen to me sniffle in shameful despair all the way back to the city.
Noun
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Their desperation comes as the Venezuelan government faces mounting criticism over its response to the crisis.
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Last week’s desperation deal for David Peterson, a one-time All-Star with the New York Mets, was only the start of a necessary overhaul.
Noun
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The pair went all the way down to a 43-mile-wide and 1,500-mile-long depression in the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench, known as the Challenger Deep.
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The victim's mother also addressed the jury, blaming Rullan for her son's depression and anxiety and describing the emotional toll the abuse had taken on their family.
Noun
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Much to Iraq's dismay, Mbappé only has to beat one goalkeeper and not three.
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The sight of the lectern being carried out onto Downing Street, followed by the short, poignant farewell address, has taken on a ritual familiarity, with each departure colored by particular dismay.
Noun
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But where some might see hopelessness, Ortiz sees an opportunity for connection.
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And when young people feel disconnected or believe systems are unresponsive to their daily experiences, that disconnection can deepen isolation and hopelessness.
Noun
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Beneath all the sensuality and beauty, there’s also a lingering melancholy that feels very familiar to me.
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Early Years Eichenberg recounted his childhood with some melancholy.
Noun
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Kara is addicted to drowning her sorrows and avoiding responsibility, but learns to embrace heroism after embarking on a quest for revenge alongside Ruthye (Eve Ridley).
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Parting is such sweet sorrow, but these guys aren’t going gently into the night just yet.
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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