1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
never once gave into despondency and self-pity during her long recovery from her injuries in the car crash
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 despondency
Injuries and performances are two football-relevant reasons for despondency, while United’s poor financial results point to more staff cuts.
—
Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
He’s got no home, no close family, no Wi-Fi for when Callie Rose comes by his new-to-him trailer with hopes of doing her homework on her iPad. O’Connor wears Dusty’s despondency like a heavy blanket, shoulders slumped and eyes cast toward the dirt beneath his feet.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
But with over 115,000 views, her message has struck a nerve among young professionals grappling with a growing sense of corporate despondency.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
He’s got no home, no close family, no Wi-Fi for when Callie Rose comes by his new-to-him trailer with hopes of doing her homework on her iPad. O’Connor wears Dusty’s despondency like a heavy blanket, shoulders slumped and eyes cast toward the dirt beneath his feet.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
But with over 115,000 views, her message has struck a nerve among young professionals grappling with a growing sense of corporate despondency.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
-
Most importantly, families who have already been traumatized and marginalized will be nurtured by communities rather than pressed farther away from them, deeper into despair.—
Jeff Hobbs,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
-
As weeks stretch on, sadness can deepen into despair, shadowed by shame.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
During that period, Chelsea even made an opportunistic lowball bid for Isak to exploit Newcastle’s desperation, which was not entertained at St James’ Park.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
All season, this group has been consistent in its desperation to make history and win a trophy for Spurs.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Participants were asked to outline varying facets from their sleep cycle, their energy peak time, rumination habits, depression levels, mindfulness practices and their weekly alcohol consumption.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The Importance of Early Intervention The researchers say their findings underscore the need for early intervention and support for women who suffer from depression.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Leitch expressed his dismay at the lack of recognition for stunt performers during an interview with Entertainment Weekly last year.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
12 Apr. 2025
-
In France, dismay at Mr. Trump’s policies is widespread and the national mood is uneasy.—
Roger Cohen,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The portrait of the melancholy Dane himself lacks gravitas, alas, which undercuts the existential power of the play.—
Karen D'Souza,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Quiet, melancholy Andrew slowly resigns himself to letting his sweet daughter go.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
His eyes filled with sorrow as his mom gave Lola all the attention.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Emotions and sorrow were palpable even though Prine has been dead for nearly five years.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Others predicted the federal government will remain a major employer locally and cautioned against premature doom and gloom.—
Jonathan Shorman and,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Shear acquits himself well with Sam’s starstruck regard of this famous and beautiful creature who’s inexplicably taken an interest in him, and then with his gloom when things go sour.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share