1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
his desolation after his twin brother died was incurable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in disrepair
the state of being unattended to or not cared for
the desolation of the abandoned garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in devastation
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the nuclear attack resulted in a scene of utter desolation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of desolation
Visit the Less-Trafficked Side While the oceanside of Jockey’s Ridge’s claim to fame is the dunes, which mimic the desolation of the desert, the Roanoke Sound border of the park on the western side is just the opposite.
—
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
The photos below capture the desperation of people with nowhere to go, the absence of infrastructure to help them, the desolation of the empty desert.
—Lynsey Addario, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
On a long album full of romantic vitriol and emotional desolation, songs in this mode provide brief eruptions of uplift — a necessary counterbalance.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 28 May 2025
As the survivors venture out and scramble back, the images oscillate between nervous claustrophobia and eerie, wide-open desolation; between the overly familiar and the radically strange.
—Mike Hale, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for desolation
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
The photos below capture the desperation of people with nowhere to go, the absence of infrastructure to help them, the desolation of the empty desert.
—Lynsey Addario, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
On a long album full of romantic vitriol and emotional desolation, songs in this mode provide brief eruptions of uplift — a necessary counterbalance.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 28 May 2025
As the survivors venture out and scramble back, the images oscillate between nervous claustrophobia and eerie, wide-open desolation; between the overly familiar and the radically strange.
—Mike Hale, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for desolation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desolation
Noun
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The athletic brand revealed the new design in October 2023 with a video in which Bernie marches across desert terrain in a cowboy outfit while Bad Bunny narrates in Spanish.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
29 July 2025
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One woven from desert sunsets, timeless design, and the kind of service that makes the extraordinary feel effortless.—
David Weiss,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Beyond this, Sinjar remains in disrepair, and serious efforts must be made to facilitate the return of Sinjar’s residents and a secure, dignified life where the well-being and interests of Yezidis are taken into account.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Almost 70% of students within the district are low income, with parents including Williams reporting the schools are in disrepair, busing fails to meet students’ needs, academic performance is declining and students are provided outdated technology.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
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There was an air of melancholy from Australians in the Caribbean, with a feeling that this might be Australia’s last Test tour of the West Indies.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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The track captures a bleary feeling of trying to have fun but getting pulled into melancholy.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately for the over 200 families and individuals renting at Acacia Cliffs, the City Council has incentivized our displacement and the destruction of 290 of the most affordable apartments in West Austin.—
Shonda Novak,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Weary of dealing with angry calls from the mayor about Frank’s blithe trail of city property destruction, police chief Davis (CCH Pounder) warns him to play nice with major donor Kane, since Police Squad’s funding is at risk.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
30 July 2025
Noun
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The documentary was completed prior to Joel’s recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, but there are candid assessments of other struggles he’s endured, including depression, bankruptcy and alcoholism.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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The National Hurricane Center continued Friday to track a low pressure system in the Gulf and said in its 8 p.m. advisory that development into the season’s next tropical depression or storm is no longer expected.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Amad’s hat-trick against Southampton in mid-January gave evidence of his attacking form when playing at wing-back; making late runs into the opposition area and causing havoc.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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Whether battling at the plate, creating havoc on the basepaths or chasing down a fly ball in the outfield, Simpson has created many thrilling moments for Rays fans.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
Noun
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The 2022 Republican primary for governor focused heavily on whether to dismantle the Wisconsin Elections Commission as GOP candidates navigated a primary electorate still angry over President Donald Trump's loss in 2020.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
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Under this plan, foreign workers would only be admitted to supplement—not displace—the U.S. workforce, addressing concerns about wage suppression and job loss.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Food production alone is the leading driver of deforestation, land degradation, and wildlife extinction.—
Sylvana Quader Sinha,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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Due to hunting and habitat loss, Asian golden cats are considered vulnerable and at risk of extinction, officials said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Desolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desolation. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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