1
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions
many families were left destitute by the horrible fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destitute
However, families without insurance could easily be left destitute by an illness or an accident.
—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
The expense almost left him destitute.
—
Nichole Marks,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Doak and the Immigration and Naturalization Service have been sharply criticized, especially by social workers who came into contact with families left destitute because their breadwinners had been deported, often for technical irregularities that were not their fault but the government’s.
—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
None of this is to suggest that Van Der Beek was anything like destitute.
—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destitute
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
The expense almost left him destitute.
—
Nichole Marks,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Doak and the Immigration and Naturalization Service have been sharply criticized, especially by social workers who came into contact with families left destitute because their breadwinners had been deported, often for technical irregularities that were not their fault but the government’s.
—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
None of this is to suggest that Van Der Beek was anything like destitute.
—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitute
Adjective
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South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence as migrants from poor nations like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi generally end up settling in impoverished communities in South Africa where unemployment and frustrations are high.
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Dreesen moved to Los Angeles, living on $1 a day and hitchhiking to The Comedy Store, begging for a set and bonding with other impoverished comedians.
Adjective
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The island is devoid of high rises and fast-food restaurants.
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The play, intentionally devoid of physical male characters, focuses on women's stories, sisterhood, and reclaiming one's life.
Adjective
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Rebecca Lowe joins Dan Patrick to discuss some of the top storylines around the World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo's poor play to start, the United States' potential and more.
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Will the gap between rural and urban America – and the gap between rich and poor America – decline or grow?
Adjective
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Three years into his term, America wasn't broke, but the stock market did experience some of its biggest single-day losses during the coronavirus pandemic.
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This week, Knicks fans had a big win after a big loss; fans of inflation were delighted and World Cup fans went broke.
Cite this Entry
“Destitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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