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
-
Too many business owners negotiate from a place of desperation.—
Lien De Pau,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
The Browns or the Giants may feel the itch of desperation and draft Sanders in the top three.—
Derrik Klassen,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Families who lose a loved one are prone to mental health deficits such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, compounded by feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame, and condemnation, often resulting in social isolation.—
William Mullane,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
This number will go up, more children will struggle—depression, hunger and more parts of their lives will spiral out of control.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 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
-
And yet the announcement wasn’t all doom and gloom.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Despite all the doom and gloom and the difficult comparison to past recessions, some analysts still see green shoots.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share