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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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
That realization, though, is key to Stephen’s curdling idealism in the film, a moral collapse that Gosling gives urgency and despondency.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 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
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 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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The relationships Anaya and her teammates created will long outlast the sadness from getting outplayed Friday.—
Ethan Hanson,
Daily News,
30 May 2026
-
In a Facebook post, the Islamic Center drew connections between the holiday, the community’s sadness and the sacrifice the men made.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Noun
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For Gordon Sheach, founder of Scotland fans’ website The Tartan Scarf, his first memory of football set the precedent for two decades of despair and disillusionment.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
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The pulse of Royals fans is despair as the season has gone off the rails.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Not to be outdone, Vikingo hit a desperation crucifix driver.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The Phillies still trailed, and the move reeked of desperation from Mattingly, who is desperate because his team cannot score runs.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
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Schizophrenia, bipolar, autism, anxiety, depression – all of these topics are almost global bestsellers.—
Jon LaPook,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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Environmental conditions appear conducive for additional development, and a tropical depression is likely to form in early June, Berg wrote.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
Noun
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The move ended a mutual defense treaty between Washington and Taipei, much to the dismay at the time of the US Congress, which quickly passed the Taiwan Relations Act to assert its role in relations across the Taiwan Strait.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
-
Goldschmidt, lashing through the unhittable delivery, just stood in dismay.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
Noun
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But despite the colorful surroundings, there’s a pervasive hopelessness in this off-kilter world that looks a lot like our own.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
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Advertisement For decades, the dominant story about Watts was one of pathology and hopelessness.—
Terry McDonell,
Time,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Absent the lush melancholy of classic synth-pop, what Hervé and Amato had in common with their forbears was a spirit of innovation rooted in profound laziness.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
23 May 2026
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While the actors are committed, poignant and warm, their upbeat tone doesn’t always blend well with the melancholy of the picture.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Amidst the sorrow of the past eight years, Ronnie and Lydia vowed to never stop searching for their granddaughter.—
James C Ramos,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
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Officials have shared their sorrow and paid tribute to the victims of the accident.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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