1
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions
many families were left destitute by the horrible fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devoid
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected
a lingering drought and a sky destitute of rain clouds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of destitute
And the MacKenzies are one silver fork away from being destitute.
—
Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The Shinnecock Indian Nation occupies one of the most destitute areas of Long Island.
—Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025
According to new research published in the E-Journal of the Excavations of Pompeii, a handful of survivors, destitute wanderers, and treasure hunters continued to call the ruins home for decades.
—Andrew Paul Aug 7, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025
When Theodore Hook’s destitute daughter neared death in 1893, a friend doxxed her, sharing her address with the world in the hope that donations would trickle in and ease her final days.
—Daniel Seifert, JSTOR Daily, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for destitute
Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The Shinnecock Indian Nation occupies one of the most destitute areas of Long Island.
—Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025
According to new research published in the E-Journal of the Excavations of Pompeii, a handful of survivors, destitute wanderers, and treasure hunters continued to call the ruins home for decades.
—Andrew Paul Aug 7, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025
When Theodore Hook’s destitute daughter neared death in 1893, a friend doxxed her, sharing her address with the world in the hope that donations would trickle in and ease her final days.
—Daniel Seifert, JSTOR Daily, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for destitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitute
Adjective
-
The film, which world premiered in the Berlinale’s Perspectives sidebar, follows an impoverished but determined family put to test when the father, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, is accused of murder.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Sanctions have crippled the government’s primary source of revenue, oil exports, limiting the state’s ability to provide for millions of impoverished Iranians through social safety nets.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.—
Michael Abbott,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
That devoid ingredient hindered things exponentially.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Feb. 2024
Adjective
-
The apology came after a sustained campaign by historians and activists who argued that the victims were persecuted for being poor, vulnerable, or simply different.—
James Frater,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
As has Mark Flekken, the new goalkeeper, who moved from Brentford and is fortunate not to have lost his place due to poor form.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Betty Jo — who was dead broke until an hour ago — would have told Frank about Arthur for, say, half a big ol’ bag of cash.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Margaret Qualley, as the former A-lister's younger self, also goes for broke in a film that's a disturbing, hilarious and jaw-dropping hoot.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share