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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondent
Does her despondent demeanor and null motivation make Elsa herself an ideal pick to surrender her life?
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 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
Indeed, in private, many people in the business, media, and think-tank worlds are frustrated with and despondent about the atmosphere in China.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Become despondent over a breakup with her boyfrend?
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondent
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 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
Indeed, in private, many people in the business, media, and think-tank worlds are frustrated with and despondent about the atmosphere in China.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Become despondent over a breakup with her boyfrend?
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondent
Adjective
-
But this doesn’t mean that the Angelika is desperate, Carter said.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
13 May 2025
-
The defense clamped down, holding the Maple Leafs to just 12 shots on goal through the first two periods before Toronto got desperate in the third and started getting more pucks on net in the final 20 minutes.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
That would increase to 40% for productions outside of the Los Angeles area, or in economically depressed areas of Los Angeles.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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Escorting the world's loneliest elephant across Asia In 2020, when most of the world was sealed up due to the COVID pandemic, Cher was flying around Asia fighting for Kaavan, a depressed elephant, stuck in a particularly nasty zoo in Pakistan.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Those nurses never stopped fighting for Mattie, even as her situation seemed hopeless.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
10 May 2025
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While critical gaps in testing still remain, innovation has ignited a diagnostic boom that has transformed the AIDS fight from hopeless to winnable.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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However, the Palestinians are unhappy with the speed of FIFA’s inquiries.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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Their presidential candidate, Erika Meza, a 25-year veteran teacher from the Southeast Side, is unhappy with what CTU has come to symbolize.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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After the show, there's booze, girls, and hotel suites, but Abel's locked in the bathroom, being sad.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
15 May 2025
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For someone who prizes roadside Americana, this is the visual version of the sad trombone sound.—
Christopher Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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After everyone left, her husband apologized for his mother’s absence and thanked her for her hard work, but the experience left her heartbroken.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
8 May 2025
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Stacy Melo, an east Arlington resident, told the City Council that she was left heartbroken and shocked the last time TotalEnergies came before council.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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The film necessarily presents a despairing view of America as its 20th-century glory days recede into the distance, but Schrader isn’t one to shirk away from some form of hope for his isolated priest.—
Vikram Murthi,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2025
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These lines represent Elisabeth at her most despairing.—
Elizabeth Djinis,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Allergies can make anyone miserable, especially when traveling.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
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Nothing’s more miserable than foot pain before the dancing’s even begun.—
Camille Freestone,
Glamour,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondent. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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