Definition of povertynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poverty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of poverty are destitution, indigence, penury, and want. While all these words mean "the state of one with insufficient resources," poverty may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts.

the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers

Where would indigence be a reasonable alternative to poverty?

Although the words indigence and poverty have much in common, indigence implies seriously straitened circumstances.

the indigence of her years as a graduate student

When would penury be a good substitute for poverty?

The words penury and poverty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money.

a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury

How do want and destitution relate to one another, in the sense of poverty?

Both want and destitution imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure.

lived in a perpetual state of want
the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine

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 poverty South Africans sometimes blame foreigners for high levels of unemployment and poverty, putting a strain on public services and for being involved in crime. ABC News, 20 June 2026 Outgoing President Petro reduced poverty in Colombia, but he has been criticized for being soft on crime. Manuel Rueda, Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2026 Carpenter also says the district is closely monitoring some potential cuts to federal grants for students of poverty and language learners. Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Too often, the public debate still treats poverty as an individual failure instead of a policy failure. Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for poverty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poverty
Noun
  • The episodes seemed to wallow in Carmy’s misery, along with the frustrations of everyone around him.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 June 2026
  • That’s a recipe for in-flight misery.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The Crimean peninsula has had periodic fuel shortages from Ukrainian strikes before, but the current crisis is the worst since its 2014 annexation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 June 2026
  • Novelli said one of the reasons many kids in New Haven are still behind in reading is a shortage of pre-kindergarten education.
    Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • In the next few days, Raikes said IRC teams will focus on getting basic necessities like food, water and shelter to those who need it, and to deliver medical supplies to health services.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • In order to keep the necessities, like Bear Valley Community Hospital, online, BVES shut power off to businesses and homes starting Friday morning for several hours.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • These areas often have awkward entrances and lack ventilation, which allows heat to build quickly.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Nearly half acknowledged mental health issues, and 34% felt their lack of personal relationships was a factor that contributed to feeling purposeless.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • In the trailer, the young women are in despair over their sudden destitution.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • While the affluent are living longer, healthier lives, and retiring with a nest egg and their dignity, low-income workers are facing destitution.
    Ann Larson, Time, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Most people need vitamin D supplementation; vitamin E is usually sufficient from food unless a true deficiency exists.
    Allison Forsyth, Health, 26 June 2026
  • According to her petition to the Supreme Court, Murrin faces more than $328,000 in tax, penalties, and interest (the interest that had grown to more than $250,000 by the time the IRS issued the notice of deficiency).
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and impaired immune function.
    Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • Sleep deprivation, subpar nutritional habits, chronic unmitigated stress, and poor fitness lead to subpar cognitive and emotional regulation.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Reductions in Saudi’s oil exports, because of the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, follows years of lower oil prices and growing budget deficits in the kingdom—since 2013, Riyadh has reported one budget surplus when oil prices passed $100 a barrel in 2022.
    Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 23 June 2026
  • Since then, West Germany beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the 1982 semi-final in Seville, recovering from a 3-1 deficit in extra time.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Poverty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poverty. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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