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
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
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Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
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But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Years of economic dysfunction have left the country’s once-thriving middle class in a state of desperation.—
Kareem Chehayeb,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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Based on Spoelstra’s success in driving the Heat to and through the playoffs, nothing dramatic needed here, certainly nothing like the Knicks’ act of desperation with Thibodeau.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Over time, the nearly circular 75-mile-wide (120 kilometers) depression has been eroded by water and ice, enlarging it to nearly twice its initial size.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 June 2025
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Young caregivers report more depression, anxiety, and stress than their peers.—
Leah Fabel,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
If this is what FIFA had in mind when the governing body created the 32-team tournament, much to the initial dismay of players and clubs alike, well, so far so good.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
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To the dismay of some, and the thrill of others, Bill Gates recently announced his decision to sunset the foundation in 20 years and distribute $200 billion of its assets – and his personal fortune – to achieve three goals: No mom, child, or baby dies of a preventable disease.—
Timothy J. McClimon,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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The production gives it a lush feel, but it’s haunted by a certain melancholy.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Not all ‘doom and gloom’ Nevertheless, the global business travel market is still on track to top $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, Neufang said.—
Monica Pitrelli,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
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The film is quite handsome, full of woodsy earth tones and dark clothing, without any bright colors to get in the way of the meditative gloom.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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