Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective desperate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of desperate are despairing, despondent, and hopeless. While all these words mean "having lost all or nearly all hope," desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

Where would despairing be a reasonable alternative to desperate?

While the synonyms despairing and desperate are close in meaning, despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

When might despondent be a better fit than desperate?

The words despondent and desperate can be used in similar contexts, but despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection

In what contexts can hopeless take the place of desperate?

The meanings of hopeless and desperate largely overlap; however, hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

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 desperate The Chargers aren’t desperate for fans, despite a narrative that says their move to L.A. was misguided. Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 In a time when so many of us feel desperate for community and connection, this is a compelling narrative focus. Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025 But on a recent trip to the country, CNN was able to see just how critical the collection of programs previously funded by USAID were for Afghan people, the vast majority of whom live in desperate poverty. Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 22 July 2025 But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for desperate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperate
Adjective
  • How to get your love letter stamped from Valentine, Texas For more than three decades, the small-town Valentine Post Office — also known as the Love Station — has processed thousands of love letters from hopeless romantics around the world.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • Marcus Hopkins has been trying to have his criminal record expunged for years, a process which left him hopeless.
    Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • That's become a new line of attack for the Trump administration, which is already unhappy with the Fed for not moving more aggressively to lower interest rates.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • Speculation is that Ferrari is unhappy with Vasseur's performance, although these rumors have been shut down by Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Collins, who has previously celebrated the unique pleasures of the early dinner, finds something to like about lunch in all its guises—the power lunch, the liquid lunch, even the sad desk lunch.
    Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • But those expecting the administration to suddenly provide the guardrails and rules that have been sorely lacking in college sports in recent years will likely come away disappointed.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • Although, disappointed fans didn't have much time to sulk.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • People are despairing over the Supreme Court and its deference to the president.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Alcaraz swung slice serves past a despairing Lehečka’s forehand, while the Czech’s deliveries leapt up off the grass, contorting Alcaraz into uncomfortable return positions.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • For example, Donald Trump’s approach to power reflects a deeply cynical view of human nature.
    Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • This Superman movie is the most cynical imaginable.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The prosecutors remained seated, subdued and by all appearances despondent.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 2 July 2025
  • In May 2023, Kesha released Gag Order, a dark, despondent exploration of her trauma, with minimalist production from Rick Rubin and the image of the pop star with a blast bag over her head as its album artwork.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ak’s heartbroken family are still reeling from her death.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Faced with no other option, the heartbroken family surrendered Draco to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), despite having loved and raised him for over five years.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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