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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Recent Examples of despondency
Her despondency, her credulities, her joys.
—
Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
One day, her despondency was interrupted by a meeting with the chiefs of the Iroquois’ Six Nation Confederacy to honor her efforts to bring back the bald eagle.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This despondency arises less from the death of his partner, and more from the prospect of death itself.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
One day, her despondency was interrupted by a meeting with the chiefs of the Iroquois’ Six Nation Confederacy to honor her efforts to bring back the bald eagle.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This despondency arises less from the death of his partner, and more from the prospect of death itself.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
-
Democrats and Republicans alike would do well to recognize that increasing polarization is the most likely result of aggressive posturing, spinning us into doom loops of despair.—
Timothy Shriver,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
-
Is now a time for optimism or despair over Israel’s environmental record?—
JTA Staff Report,
Sun Sentinel,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
Critics argue the murders were calculated acts of greed, rather than acts of desperation by abuse victims.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
-
Vegas, now in desperation mode, will have to resolve its disappearing offense and win the battle of urgency against Edmonton — something Jack Eichel said his team lacked on Monday.—
Sarah Jean Maher,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
For some people with mild depression, walking might even be as effective as some medications.6 High-intensity exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which can boost your mood following a workout.—
Jennifer Steinhoff,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2025
-
Advanced technologies, physical security, and an abundance of stuff [courtesy of highly advanced 3D printers] does nothing to stop a growing wave of loneliness and depression.—
G Kirilloff,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
To the surprise of a few and the dismay of many, Mott elected to ship the Derby winner back to his Saratoga Springs base to train for the Belmont Stakes on June 7.—
Teresa Genaro,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
Her father, much to her dismay, turned out to be partly responsible for the nuclear attacks that destroyed their world.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
The actor infuses this unusual father figure with an overprotective streak and a sense of melancholy to match a patchwork body born from parental abuse. 5.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The poem concludes with an impulsive act of generosity that carries a hint of melancholy.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The wind of sorrows is so violent today and sweeps up the weakest — the hostages of October 7 and all the hostages — the prisoners, the drowned, who endure terror and die in a terrible feeling of abandonment and indifference.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
-
Her words pierced through the haze of sorrow and became an enduring truth.—
Carissa Talmage,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Rather than a sense of doom and gloom, Chelsea left Newcastle on Sunday with high hopes that their target for the Premier League season can be achieved.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
-
This era of uncertainty doesn’t have to create a sentiment of doom and gloom.—
Michael Della Penna,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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