1
as in desperate
feeling or showing no hope
after four days and still no word that the missing plane had been located, the relatives were despondent
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness
feeling despondent over the death of another close friend
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondent
Players seemed despondent after Friday’s loss on Long Island.
—
Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The gallery owner, Mariana, is both despondent and enraged.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
Alex Vlasic just looked despondent.
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
In 2025, Simone’s assessment of our despondent state of being is just as resonant, and the role of the artist is no less urgent.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondent
Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The gallery owner, Mariana, is both despondent and enraged.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
Alex Vlasic just looked despondent.
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
In 2025, Simone’s assessment of our despondent state of being is just as resonant, and the role of the artist is no less urgent.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondent
Adjective
-
Surely Russia, desperate for a deal, would give up its opposition to such assurances.—
Robert Kagan,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Such are desperate decisions made in an effort to reinvent oneself that almost always end in despair.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Investors are keenly watching these metrics as European banks transition to an environment of monetary easing, particularly in Switzerland, which has been combating a strong franc and depressed inflation with interest rates as low as 0.25%.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
30 Apr. 2025
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Dracula’s Daughter is about a lady vampire who seduces and feeds off other ladies and who is depressed and desperate to be cured of her unyielding desire for wom— sorry.—
Jordan Crucchiola,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Feeling hopeless in her quest to stop Crawford and help Delia get her life back, Elsbeth confronts the boastful judge, who is riding high on his rising star and his triumph over her.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2025
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The hopeless woman grasps her head with one hand and checks her baby’s cheek with the other.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some 59% of voters are unhappy with how things are going in the country.—
Dana Blanton,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Particularly now that Americans are unhappy with the state of economy.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Her story is beautiful and sad, heartwarming and devastating.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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If my random and unscientific survey of some French opinion at all represents the nation’s as a whole, then the debut of Donald Trump’s America has left some French triste — a bit sad, even brokenhearted, and also wary and vigilant.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
The recent tragic helicopter crash into the Hudson River, which claimed six lives, has left our city heartbroken and once again grappling with difficult questions about public safety and aviation policy.—
Keith Powers,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2025
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The heartbroken couple spent days looking for Valerie but eventually had to return to their lives in Broken Hill, New South Wales.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These lines represent Elisabeth at her most despairing.—
Elizabeth Djinis,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
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By turns giddy, anxious, and despairing, these poems have endeared him to generations of ordinary readers who find in the tempestuous and ultimately brokenhearted poet a strikingly modern and profoundly accessible figure.—
Daniel Mendelsohn,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Politics Trump officials’ defiance over Abrego Garcia’s deportation is ‘shocking,’ appeals court says April 17, 2025 His underlings ape his ghoulish glee in making life miserable for undocumented immigrants.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
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Just 22 regulation wins, more than only the miserable Chicago Blackhawks (20) and San Jose Sharks (14)?—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondent. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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