1
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the endless drought drove the farmers to despair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dismay
the state of being discouraged
the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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 despair
Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 July 2025
As despair echoes throughout the devastated area, stories of heroes have emerged.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 10 July 2025
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Above all, though in vastly different styles and tones, Booker and Beshear urged Florida Democrats not to despair.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Noun
But at Living Planet Symposium 2025, the tone wasn't one of despair.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 July 2025
As despair echoes throughout the devastated area, stories of heroes have emerged.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
Just two months ago, the markets seemed to be in crisis as investors despaired over the effects of President Donald Trump’s sweeping set of tariffs.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Above all, though in vastly different styles and tones, Booker and Beshear urged Florida Democrats not to despair.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
-
But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.—
Armond White,
National Review,
25 July 2025
-
Advertisement Still, that so many Democrats spent the weekend obsessing over a relatively unknown figure in Austin, who represents about 200,000 people in a deep-blue district, shows the extent of their desperation.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Many of Colbert’s regular guests shared their dismay.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 July 2025
-
However, fans were upset by the wording of the question and shared their dismay on social media.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
The Oscar winner has starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series about grieving therapist Jimmy (Segel) since its premiere in 2023.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
Some endure long journeys through illness, others face the shock of an instant tragedy, and some grieve companions with paws instead of words.—
Belal Aftab,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
This is because there’s a lot of woolly thinking out there, combined with apathy, distrust and discouragement.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 June 2025
-
Be assured the world will bring more than enough discouragement, rejection, and pain into your child’s life.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
The social worker told investigators the statements were concerning because Craig never reported the incidents nor tried to get medical help, and none of the couple’s six children mentioned their mother suffered from depression.—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
15 July 2025
-
Two people suffered injuries and were taken in ambulances to Waterbury Hospital, according to fire officials.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Fans mourn full Thursday programming lineup at Bonnaroo Starting the festival's programming on Thursday night, instead of the typical inclusion of a full Thursday line-up in past years, has also been the source of some contention.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
17 July 2025
-
On Thursday, those who played with Braman also mourned his death.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
17 July 2025
Noun
-
July always arrives with a blend of sunshine and sorrow for me.—
Belal Aftab,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
-
In humanitarian tents, children gather to share their fears and sorrows, and to comfort one another.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Cardwell says in an attempt to punish NPR, Trump is only hurting some of those who have supported him.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
20 July 2025
-
This growing skepticism means that obvious AI usage could hurt your chances, even if the content quality is high.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share