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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
But the open spaces between them express an urban despondency that’s hard to discount.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 9 Sep. 2025
This need not be a recipe for despondency.
—Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
But, uh, do think like, uh, action is the, antidote to despondency.
—Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025
But the open spaces between them express an urban despondency that’s hard to discount.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 9 Sep. 2025
This need not be a recipe for despondency.
—Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
-
Lane takes his place among the best, his Willy Loman a powder keg of frustration and disappointment and deep, deep sadness.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Underneath the fantastical conceit is this current of sadness, of loneliness, a yearning for connection.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
8 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
-
That was the case not only because of Panarin and Forsberg’s excellence, but because of defenseman Cody Ceci’s last-ditch desperation.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Replying too fast may signal desperation.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Make gentle depressions with your fingertips to create ¼-inch-deep divots.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
12 Apr. 2026
-
One of the bills would create a pilot program for psychedelic or psilocybin mushrooms to be used in medicine for the treatment of mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Perhaps the most volatile split ripped the aforementioned Cassie and Maddy apart, after the former struck up a relationship with Maddy's ex, Nate (Jacob Elordi), much to the latter's dismay.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
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To his dismay, Frederik learned this week that FIFA had changed the seating map at Arrowhead.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 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
-
Still, the achievement carried a touch of melancholy for Lovell.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
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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
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León said the band's goal at demonstrations is to redirect protesters' anger and sorrow.—
Adrian Florido,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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