1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of despondency
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
Amid claustrophobic layers of sadness, grief and despondency, Anohni emerged as the most fearless kind of provocateur — a truth-teller who refused to remain silent and complacent in the face of injustice and wrongdoing.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for 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
Amid claustrophobic layers of sadness, grief and despondency, Anohni emerged as the most fearless kind of provocateur — a truth-teller who refused to remain silent and complacent in the face of injustice and wrongdoing.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
-
There is only sadness that they're gone.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Osanmoh notes that although losing might elicit some feelings of sadness, disappointment, and even anger in kids of all ages, this outcome has serious value.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This optimism turns into despair not one second into the organizing effort, when Ben discovers that his oven is out of commission.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Yet other oil surges did not lead to deep economic despair.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This day in sports history 1943 — Eddie Dancker banks in a desperation 25-foot hook shot from the corner to give Sheboygan a 30-29 win over Fort Wayne and the National Basketball League crown.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
-
People seeking support often present with overlapping challenges such as anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma histories, chronic stress or relationship difficulties.—
Gwilym Roddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But some local residents responded with dismay.—
Mikayla Bunnell,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Over the next two weekends, Los Angeles will be flooded by long-distance runners and the film industry’s biggest stars — much to the delight of fans and the dismay of drivers trying to make their way through the city.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
If your friend or family member is struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, constantly ruminating about relationship issues, or expressing a sense of hopelessness, consider bringing it up, says Francesca Emma, a therapist in New York.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
24 Feb. 2026
-
His motion veered between expressions of hopelessness and elaborate proposals for prisoner exchanges.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
On his early records, the London musician made do with saxophone alone, looping and layering his instrument into billowing expressions of foghorn melancholy.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Turner plays the middle brother with intriguing melancholy and an almost alien detachment, which works within the world this film creates, but not necessarily for a main character.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Faced with the closure announcement on Facebook, commenters quickly expressed sorrow — and reminisced.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Buford’s issued a statement Monday expressing sorrow for the victims and thanking law enforcement.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
