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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of desolation
This week, Morgan Wallen and Post Malone pair up again for a new collaboration, while Sam Barber offers up a song of blistering song of desolation.
—
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
From this desolation arose the Messianic faith of Christianity, which, after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine in 312, eventually became the Roman Empire’s sole state religion.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Even the influx of people has done little to alleviate the sense of desolation and emptiness.
—Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025
Where is the message that can pull them out of the depths of desolation?
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desolation
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
From this desolation arose the Messianic faith of Christianity, which, after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine in 312, eventually became the Roman Empire’s sole state religion.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Even the influx of people has done little to alleviate the sense of desolation and emptiness.
—Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025
Where is the message that can pull them out of the depths of desolation?
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desolation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desolation
Noun
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Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA A chic escape for those looking to relax and recharge in the desert, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa offers Functional Flow Yoga classes designed to enhance strength, mobility and balance through mindful movement.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Early in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Predator and later Reaper drones armed with Hellfire missiles allowed pilots in dark bases in the Nevada desert to attack militant targets in the Middle East.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Noun
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But the biggest strain has been a wastewater system built by the developer 35 years ago that fell into disrepair.—
Josh Salman,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
-
The Pedestal House was renovated in 2023 after falling into disrepair.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
11 June 2025
Noun
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That betrayal, like so many others, fed the melancholy in Brian's music.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
15 June 2025
-
With melancholy and playfulness both, Seed threads in her own introspective voice-over and contemporary footage (poring over material, visiting her dad, sparring with a boyfriend).—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Confrontational rhetoric Salami was known for his aggressive rhetoric against both Israel and the United States, calling for the destruction of Israel as early as 2016.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2025
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The destruction of several strategic bombers is another reminder that Kyiv remains determined in its struggle against Moscow’s invasion.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Over time, the nearly circular 75-mile-wide (120 kilometers) depression has been eroded by water and ice, enlarging it to nearly twice its initial size.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 June 2025
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Young caregivers report more depression, anxiety, and stress than their peers.—
Leah Fabel,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
The adventurer turns out to be a wild champion of havoc who alienates friends and demolishes any social scene.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
-
Suddenly, Nicky, who Chloe has erased from her life, is back in the picture and causing havoc as the police investigate the murder and zero in on Ethan, who had tensions with his father.—
Nina Metz Chicago Tribune,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2025
Noun
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Louisville’s Jack Brown (5-5) was tagged with the loss after allowing a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
-
Ryan Yarbrough had known nothing but success in the Yankees’ rotation, but that changed in a 10-7 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday night.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Under the Endangered Species Act, animals that are listed in danger of extinction are given protections — like the protection of critical habitat and prohibitions on hunting — and recovery plans.—
Clark Corbin,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2025
-
The Pacific leatherback populations are most at risk of extinction.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Desolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desolation. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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