1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of despondency
McIlroy, somehow attaining newfound levels of despondency, turned and walked toward the door.
—
Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Embarrassing Brighton for a third time this season by finishing above them would be a fantastic way to go from despondency after a rough start to delirium in May.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Patty’s, where Matt fights his old mentor, alternating between rage and despondency.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Embarrassing Brighton for a third time this season by finishing above them would be a fantastic way to go from despondency after a rough start to delirium in May.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Patty’s, where Matt fights his old mentor, alternating between rage and despondency.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
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In an era of headlines that often fuel despair, the Calouste Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity shines a light on solutions.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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The display screen on Jerry Dipoto’s iPhone can elicit in him despair or delight.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Noun
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But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.—
Armond White,
National Review,
25 July 2025
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Advertisement Still, that so many Democrats spent the weekend obsessing over a relatively unknown figure in Austin, who represents about 200,000 people in a deep-blue district, shows the extent of their desperation.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Research has shown that women who have higher anxiety and depression often show signs of inflammation and elevated stress hormones, which can lead to poorer outcomes.—
Michelle Marchante
July 25,
Miami Herald,
25 July 2025
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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
Noun
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For a quick recap, this is the world a team of scientists recently suggested could host life — to the dismay of other scientists in the community, who felt the announcement failed to include necessary caution.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
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The shop was nearly empty, to the dismay of the owner, Roxana Gaeta, who grew up nearby and bought the place a decade ago from the family that opened it.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
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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The world moves forward, but I'm suspended in a place of sorrow and rage.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
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But the two consciously dug themselves out of sorrow and misery and eventually were able to establish a foundation in Ethan's name, Ethan's Smile, which has given scholarships to more than 80 students.—
Liz Kreutz,
NBC news,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
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Barely discernible in the May gloom, a glint of purple shone from the jacaranda’s canopy; nearby, seed pods dotted patches of green.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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