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 Without health coverage, individuals will be sicker, more likely to miss work or not be able to hold a job, thus trapping them in a cycle of poor health and poverty. Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 His vision of a southern United States blasted by crime, poverty, and inequality has put him on Barack Obama’s reading list and at the pinnacle of contemporary southern noir. Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025 To qualify, household income must be at or below four times the federal poverty level, which is $32,150 for a family of four, or the debt must equal at least 5% of income. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025 Syria’s gross domestic product is less than half its prewar level; 90% of Syrians are in poverty. Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for poverty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poverty
Noun
  • In the studio, a bad idea can be put out of its misery within a few minutes.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • The Athletic reflects on their 2024-25 efforts, culminating in a 14th-place finish, that caused more misery than joy.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • At the time Volkswagen was the first automaker to warn of a global chip shortage.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Compounding the technical issues are persistent staffing shortages.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Even so, the reset look on the man who’s become the face of the NFL makes a fine symbol for a broader fresh start — a necessity in sharp contrast to where the Chiefs stood this time last offseason.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
  • These minimalist gloves are available in two go-with-everything shades—classic black and soft cream—and have a modern, low-profile fit that looks more like an intentional accessory than a skin-care necessity.
    Marie Lodi, Allure, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • The latest estimates, as of August 2021, put the value of Russia’s National Wealth Fund at about $185 billion and its foreign currency reserves at $615 billion—hardly a picture of destitution.
    Michael Kofman, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2021
  • Between 1820 and 1845, the number of weavers plummeted from two hundred and forty thousand to sixty thousand, as many faced destitution.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Really, much of Hart’s time at Triple-A El Paso was spent attacking his deficiencies against right-handed hitters, who were hitting .333/.386/.698 against him in the majors compared to a .100/.100/.100 line in 20 plate appearances against lefties.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • Key Takeaways Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.
    Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.
    Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • The problem with plastic is the deprivation of oxygen to the roots since there is no air circulating into the sides of the basket.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Instead, the Knicks fell to a 2-0 series deficit after losing to the Pacers by a final score of 114-109.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Investors worry that the more than 1,000-page bill will lead to a sharply wider deficit.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poverty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poverty. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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