1
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the endless drought drove the farmers to despair
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dismay
the state of being discouraged
the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grieve
to lose all hope or confidence
we despaired when we saw how little time we had left to complete our project
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despair
Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2025
Democrats and Republicans alike would do well to recognize that increasing polarization is the most likely result of aggressive posturing, spinning us into doom loops of despair.
—Timothy Shriver, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
But don’t despair, even if the hacker has changed your Gmail password, recovery email and telephone, disabled the existing two-factor authentication method and replaced it with a hardware key, and even enabled Google’s Advanced Protection Program, all is not lost.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
Curated by the National Trust, the list includes sites in despair and at risk from natural disasters.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2025
Democrats and Republicans alike would do well to recognize that increasing polarization is the most likely result of aggressive posturing, spinning us into doom loops of despair.
—Timothy Shriver, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Verb
In the early, chaotic days of the COVID-19 pandemic, transitional-kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Lam despaired.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
But don’t despair, even if the hacker has changed your Gmail password, recovery email and telephone, disabled the existing two-factor authentication method and replaced it with a hardware key, and even enabled Google’s Advanced Protection Program, all is not lost.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
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Though the film doesn’t have an outwardly strong political message, it’s set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding an extra layer of desperation to O’Connor’s character.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
23 May 2025
-
And to think, that breakout had come entirely out of desperation for pitching depth.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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If this is what FIFA had in mind when the governing body created the 32-team tournament, much to the initial dismay of players and clubs alike, well, so far so good.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
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To the dismay of some, and the thrill of others, Bill Gates recently announced his decision to sunset the foundation in 20 years and distribute $200 billion of its assets – and his personal fortune – to achieve three goals: No mom, child, or baby dies of a preventable disease.—
Timothy J. McClimon,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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See how these teens are grieving — and healing — together.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
29 May 2025
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You are allowed to grieve the version of love that existed uniquely between the two of you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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And the emotional toll and anxiety keep mounting up: discouragement, depression, and a reluctance to even try anymore.—
Robin Ryan,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
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Economic cooling, policy discouragement of conspicuous consumption, and a younger generation’s shifting priorities have combined to erode growth assumptions.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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According to officials, the swimmer suffered a leg injury near the 31st Street beach access point.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2025
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The socialite — who currently lives between Paris, Monte Carlo and Rome — appeared to suffer the injuries just days after attending the Monaco Grand Prix over Memorial Day weekend.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Mahaffey's husband, actor and director Joseph Kell, mourned her death in a statement to EW.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
31 May 2025
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But while friends and family of the teen mourned her premature death, anti-trans commentators on X turned Fosgate’s last posts into an whirlwind of transphobia — misgendering her, mocking her, and celebrating her family’s loss.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Manu diving can hurt The researchers caution that the manu maneuver is not only difficult but can be risky and painful.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Anthony Edwards hurt his ankle late in the first quarter and spent the first few minutes of the second in the locker room but returned to the game, scoring 18 points.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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